The TEM, along with Schola Cantorum, both ensembles conducted by Daniel Taylor, presents their new album, The Vale of Tears. Musikalische Exequien by Heinrich Schtz, the most striking composition by the most important German composer of the 17th century and the cornerstone of this album, is a masterpiece of 17th century liturgical music. State of ecstasy! For his eighth album on the ANALEKTA label, Daniel Taylor, one of the most sought-after countertenors, takes us into the very heart of the German baroque world. He is joined by musicians from the Theatre of Early Music (TEM) and singers from the University of Torontos Schola Cantorum, two ensembles he founded. The Vale of Tears grants us the opportunity to hear Heinrich Schtzs Musikalische Exequien (SWV 279-81), undoubtedly the 17th century composers most striking composition; Johann Sebastian Bachs cantata O heilges Geist- und Wasserbad (BWV 165); and harmonisations of two hymns from the 18th volume of Michael Praetoriuss Musae Sioniae, a colossal sum of more than 1200 settings of chorales and songs. Carried by heavenly voices, these works seem to transcend death Beauty of his voice will stop you in your tracks -GRAMOPHONE He his rising in the operatic firmament as fast as the speed of sound. -Globe and Mail Emma Kirkby at her most serene is matched by Taylor as if they were two faces of a single musical entity this is a disc not to be missed. -BBC Music Magazine