Sheppard: Sacred Choral Works

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred choral masterpieces of John Sheppard, a renowned English composer of the Renaissance period. This album, "Sheppard: Sacred Choral Works," showcases the exquisite performances by the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, under the skilled direction of Andrew Nethsingha. Recorded in the acoustically splendid St John's College Chapel, Cambridge, the album captures the essence of Sheppard's compositions with remarkable clarity and depth.

The album features a collection of Sheppard's most revered works, including the intricate "Mass: The Western Wynde" and the hauntingly beautiful "Gaude, gaude, gaude Maria virgo." Each piece is a testament to Sheppard's mastery of polyphony and his ability to evoke profound spiritual emotions through music. The Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, known for their impeccable harmonies and expressive performances, brings these sacred works to life with unparalleled artistry.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive journey through Sheppard's sacred choral repertoire. From the solemnity of "In manus tuas, Domine" to the exultant joy of "Christ rising again," the album presents a diverse range of musical expressions that highlight Sheppard's compositional genius. The album was released on November 1, 2013, by Chandos, a label renowned for its high-quality classical recordings.

Whether you are a devotee of Renaissance choral music or a newcomer to the genre, "Sheppard: Sacred Choral Works" is a captivating exploration of John Sheppard's timeless compositions. The album's meticulous recording and the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge's stellar performance make it a must-listen for anyone appreciative of the rich tapestry of sacred choral music.

1 november 2013

2013 Chandos Records

About John Sheppard

John Sheppard, born around 1515, was a renowned English composer of the Renaissance era, known for his intricate and elaborate church music. A contemporary of fellow composers Thomas Tallis and Christopher Tye, Sheppard's work emerged during the tumultuous times of the Reformation and the reigns of Edward VI and Mary. Despite much of his music being lost to time, his surviving compositions, preserved in partbooks at Christ Church, Oxford, showcase his mastery of the elaborate polyphonic style characteristic of the Tudor period. Sheppard's choral works, marked by their complexity and emotional depth, continue to be celebrated and performed, offering a glimpse into the rich musical heritage of the English Renaissance.