The Brabant Ensemble, founded in the early 2000s by director Stephen Rice, is a vocal group specializing in Renaissance choral music that has rapidly become esteemed for its polished performances and insightful exploration of lesser-known repertoire. Based in the UK, the ensemble typically features between ten to twelve voices, and is known for its focus on works from the Low Countries, though their musical explorations encompass a broader geographic range. The group's recordings evidence a particular affinity for the music of composers who were either overshadowed by the likes of Josquin des Prez or have been underrepresented on the modern concert stage.

The Brabant Ensemble's catalogue is marked by masterful interpretations of complex polyphonic works. Their discography reflects a commitment to the rich and varied tapestry of 16th-century polyphony, with a special emphasis on the works of Thomas Crecquillon, Nicolas Gombert, and Jacob Clemens non Papa, alongside other seminal figures of the period such as Jacob Obrecht and Francisco Guerrero. Their recent releases showcase a breadth of thematic and technical mastery—from the spiritual intensity of Guerrero's "Missa Ecce sacerdos magnus" and the intricate weave of Obrecht's "Missa Grecorum & Motets" to the historical tapestry of "Henry VIII: Heads & Hearts - Music at Hampton Court Palace." These recordings not only illuminate the ensemble's virtuosic command of the genre but also underscore their contribution to the continued appreciation and understanding of Renaissance music.

Genres

Early Music Choir

Oxford Choir

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Collegium Vocale Gent

Stile Antico

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Latest Release

A Monk's Life

The Brabant Ensemble•

Orlande de Lassus•

Stephen Rice•

Jacob Clemens non Papa

Album - 30 Tracks - Released November 1, 2024