The Utopia Ensemble receives international recognition once again: their album Requiem for an Emperor (7 February 2025, Ramée/Naxos), previously distinguished with a Diapason d'Or, has been awarded the prestigious Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik. This German award is presented quarterly by an independent panel of critics from Germany, Austria and Switzerland and is regarded as an international quality seal for outstanding recordings.
Central to the album is the five-part Requiem by Pierre de Manchicourt (ca. Pierre de Manchicourt), composed in memory of Emperor Charles V. Utopia Ensemble, assisted by lutenist Jan Van Outryve, performs the work with unparalleled refinement, expressive depth and stylistic mastery. The international jury was unanimous in its praise: "Utopia Ensemble makes music with perfect intonation and a sense of style that leaves a deep impression," according to jury member Wolfram Goertz. "As a 'mourning community' of another age, we are moved by this art on the threshold of modernity, with a musical language that carries something compelling, something questioning within it."
This new award confirms the international reach of the ensemble, which was previously honoured with a Diapason d'Or for Salve Susato and a Diapason Découverte for The Musical Universe of Andreas Pevernage.
An understated musical portrait of Emperor Charles V
Requiem for an Emperor transcends the boundaries of mere historical reconstruction. Utopia Ensemble sketches an intimate musical portrait of Emperor Charles V (1500–1558), who spent his final years in the abbey of Yuste. There he chose withdrawal, silence and contemplation. During this period he commissioned ten thousand masses to be said for the repose of his soul.
The restrained and spiritual interpretation of Manchicourt's Requiem reflects that personal quest for reconciliation and peace. The programme is enriched with motets and chansons by court composers and kindred spirits of the emperor, including Nicolas Gombert (ca. 1495–ca. 1560) and Thomas Crecquillon (ca. 1505–1557).
About the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik
The Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik has been a leading award for sound recordings of exceptional artistic merit since 1963. The prize is presented quarterly by specialized expert juries in various categories, ranging from Renaissance to contemporary music, from jazz to pop and from radio plays to children's productions. The emphasis is on quality of performance, originality of repertoire selection, presentation and sound technical excellence.
With this award, Utopia Ensemble underscores its position as one of the most leading vocal ensembles within historical performance practice in Europe.