Missa pro defunctis

"The disc opens with his subdued Requiem Mass. Many groups would have tackled this with exaggerated dynamics, squeeze-boxing every phrase for maximum impact. Here, though, we get absolute calm, good tuning and chordal singing that glows from within...the Ensemble does full justice to the brilliant Tristitia et anxietas, and the De Profundis is thrilling."
(BBC Music)

"Stephen Rice makes decisions early on about what he thinks the music is saying and how he sees it developing. He works at it, obviously pointing the climaxes and the subtle word-painting and always working with aim and direction. He is not content simply to wallow in the wonderful melodic lines and rich harmonies."
(Recording of the Month MusicWeb May 2011)

"The Brabant Ensemble grips immediately with the pure serenity of its immaculately tuned, perfectly balanced sound...the singers' sumptuous tone at full volume is overwhelming...These are no bored, deadpan monks. One senses everywhere excitement and pleasure in this underperformed repertoire."
(Classic FM)

"The Brabant Ensemble sing [the Requiem] with an admirable clarity, assisted by a very transparent acoustic and recorded sound image...Clemens and this recording are both worth hearing."
(Gramophone March 2011)

"The singing thorughout is as refined and expressive as one would wish from a small (11-12 voices) and relatively youthful ensemble, under the direction of an intelligent director for whom clarity of diction and mellifluousness of sound are of the utmost importance...this is another fine release by an ensemble...[who are] bringing before the public little-known repertoire, the worth of which it passionately believes in."
(International Record Review)