On Magnum Mysterium, the solemn original vocal passages delivered by Sjökvist’s fantastic singers, form the backdrop for Lundgren to open up new pathways within the stately madrigals. A few blue notes here, a world music embellishment or different choice of harmony there, suffice. Lundgren, it turns out, is a master of economy – as a player and as the arranger of most of the pieces on the CD. The arrangements are the key to the fascinating combination of strict form and an improviser’s freedom: while remaining uncluttered and minimalist in nature, they still manage to absorb the moods and colours of the originals, thus presenting a startlingly contemporary version of this open-minded yet at the core joyously festive ancient music. 

"Magnum Mysterium may well prove to be is most purely beautiful release, an album where lush choral music is married with contemporary improvisation that remains ever true to ist source.“ 

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