As for the singers, at several points I felt that I could be listening to a Tallis Scholars recording--the tone quality and particularities of expression and ensemble are very similar. Not surprisingly, when I looked at the list of performers several Tallis Scholars names appeared--and I mention this only to inform those listeners who know and love that fine early music ensemble that they certainly will enjoy what they hear on this recording. The choral sound is largely affected by the absence of sopranos and the presence of male altos as the highest voice part, which imbues their music with a darker, mellower, reedier quality than we're used to in most mixed choir configurations. Although purists will be disappointed that the recording wasn't actually made in St. Mark's, the acoustics of England's Brinkburn Priory in Northumberland prove an amazingly suitable substitute. The concluding Quem vidistis pastores by Gabrieli (in an arrangement by H. Keyte for voices and instruments) is stunning. I haven't always been impressed with McCreesh's projects--but don't miss this one.