The Catholic Jubilee of 1575 attracted some 400,000 pilgrims to Rome. This was an extraordinary time for sacred music in the city, with both Palestrina and Victoria contributing to the celebrations. Oxford's professional early-music consort Contrapunctus, directed by Owen Rees, gives a vivid sense of the musical splendours of that year in the Eternal City. Readings from pilgrims' accounts enhance the sense of occasion.

Programme
Haec Dies (Palestrina)
Missa Papae Marcelli – Kyrie & Gloria (Palestrina)
Tu es Petrus (Victoria)
Missa Papae Marcelli – Credo (Palestrina)

Interval

Jubilate Deo 5vv (Palestrina)
Missa Papae Marcelli – Sanctus & Benedictus (Palestrina)
Salve Regina 5vv (Victoria)
Missa Papae Marcelli – Agnus Dei (Palestrina)
Tu es Petrus (Palestrina)

'Seriously, startlingly good' – Gramophone

'Superb singing' – The Observer

'The singers shape each piece lovingly. Impeccable.' – The Sunday Times