Choralis Constantinus 1508
Heinrich Isaac in Constance
Contents
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Composer
Heinrich Isaac
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Choir
Ensemble cantissimo
Founded in 1994, ensemble cantissimo is one of the most sought-after vocal ensembles in the German-speaking world. The name speaks for itself: “cantissimo” is synonymous with a cappella singing. And from the very beginning the group’s main interest has been in the incredible range of music beyond the mainstream repertoire. With its distinctive interpretations and exciting choice of programmes, the choir, with singers from Germany and Switzerland, conducted by Markus Utz, has thrilled audiences and critics alike. Regular invitations to leading music festivals and a close collaboration with radio stations reflect the high regard the ensemble’s vocal artistry is held in. Personal details
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Ensemble
Concerto Dell'Ombra
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Conductor
Markus Utz
Markus Utz is Professor of Conducting and Choral Conducting at the Zürich University of the Arts. From 2001 to 2008 he was closely involved in the church music scene as regional Kantor and Music Director at the Cathedral in Constance. Before this, his studies took him to Munich, Detmold and Stockholm, to Gerhard Weinberger, Anders Eby and Eric Ericson. As well as successes in competitions as an organist, as a conductor he held scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service and the Scandinavian Bach Academy under Sir Andrew Parrot. In 2003, he was a finalist in the Eric Ericson Award. With his sensitive and subtle, distinctive interpretations and his striving for an exceptionally refined sound, he has come to be regarded as one of the top choral directors in Europe. As well as his professorial duties, he is in great demand as a jury member, course leader and guest conductor of distinguished choirs. Personal details
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Soloist - soprano
Iris-Anna Deckert
The soprano Iris-Anna Deckert studied in Augsburg, Berlin and London with, among others, Dorothea Chryst, Edith Urbanzcyk and Jessica Cash. She is an internationally sought after freelance concert singer with a wide-ranging repertoire of both oratorios and Lieder. In 1994 she was awarded the scholarship of the Deutscher Bühnenverein. She has frequently appeared at major European festivals. Her artistic versatility is documented on numerous radio and CD recordings. Personal details
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Soloist - alto
Korneel van Neste
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Soloist - tenor
Philipp Claßen
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Soloist - bass
Israel Martins dos Reis
Reviews
…this recording is recommended for anyone seeking accessible Renaissance literature in addition to connoisseurs of exquisite Renaissance music … Conductor Markus Utz and his ensemble cantissimo deserve congratulations for bringing these yet unheard recordings to our ears.
International Choral Magazine, January 2023, Vol XLII, Nr. 1
Ein grossartige (Wieder-)Entdeckung!
Musik & Liturgie, 4/2022
Director Markus Utz draws beautiful, nimble, clear singing from the dozen men and women of his ensemble cantissimo (three singers in each category: sopranos, altos, tenors, basses). The singers, drawn from Switzerland and Germany, are agile, accurate, and lovely to hear; not for them the often-bloodless sounds of “correct” period ensembles, but clear and beautifully characterized vocal lines that make the music arresting and individualized.
EarRelevant, Juni 2022
Der Chorklang ist ausgewogen, strahlend und prächtig.
Badische Zeitung, Juli 2022
So lässt das ensemble cantissimo die Musik nicht trotz, sondern dank der Strenge des polyphonen Satzes strahlen und macht ein Hochblüte der Renaissance neu erlebbar.
Chorzeit, Juni 2022
Das Ensemble singt dabei faszinierend homogen sowie transparent und mischt sich mit den behutsam musizierenden Instrumentalstimmen zum delikaten Tutti. Das Aufblühen des Klangs mit einer nie manierierten Dynamik und sein natürlicher Fluss eröffnen dem Hörer mit der glasklaren Intonation der Stimmen manch wunderbaren Kosmos.
Pizzicato, Mai 2022
Markus Utz und seine Sänger haben eine Auswahl der festlichen Werke eingespielt, die ein eindrucksvolles Bild dieses goldenen Musikzeitalters vermitteln.
Condor, Mai 2022
Mit dieser neuen (und hoffentlich nicht letzten!) CD gibt Markus Utz Musiker*innen im liturgischen Bereich einen Schatz in die Hand, der sich für viele aktive Musizierende zu erkunden und zu heben lohnt.
Singende Kirche, 02/2022