Tuesday evening the Diapente Renaissance Vocal Quintet gave a concert at Heliconian Hall of 16th century music from Spain (so music in the reign of Philip II for any Braudel fans out there).  It was surprisingly varied.  This was the age of the Italian madrigal so tha’s a big influence but with a definite Spanish twist.  Quite a few different composers and two principal genre; the villancico (which lives on in modern Christmas carols) and the ensalada; which is generally about catastrophe (brought about by sin of course) where everything turns out OK because the Virgin Mary shows up.  A lot of the music was unaccompanied but some pieces were accompanied by either guitar or vihuela (a kind of lute).  It was pretty varied with some pieces having significant solos for one or more singers, some having quite complex polyphony and others more strophic, almost folk song like, structures.  Plenty enough variety to sustain about 80 minutes of music.

The group are really lovely singers and work well as an ensemble.  There are two tenors; the founder Alexander Cappellazzo and Jonathan Stuchbery, who is also the lutenist and something of a scholar of this music.  His intelligent, informed and sometimes witty intros were really appreciated.  Soprano Jane Fingler, countertenor Peter Koniers and bass Martin Gomes round out the group.

So, beautifully performed, rarely heard music with intelligent intros and projected surtitles.  What’s not to like?  Diapente’s next concert is on 29th November at St. Thomas’ Anglican on Huron Street and will feature Christmas music from the Renaissance.