Taverner: Gloria Tibi Trinitas

Immerse yourself in the resplendent sounds of the Renaissance with John Taverner's "Gloria Tibi Trinitas," a masterful choral work brought to life by the early music specialists of Contrapunctus and The Choir of The Queen’s College, Oxford, under the expert direction of Owen Rees. This album, released on Signum Records, showcases Taverner's virtuosic compositional prowess, particularly in his expansive and ambitious Missa Gloria tibi trinitas.

The centerpiece of this album is Taverner's Missa Gloria tibi trinitas, a grand and spacious mass that exemplifies the composer's skill in creating intricate vocal combinations. The work is notable for its six-part scoring in the full-choir sections, offering a rich and layered listening experience. The album also includes other sacred choral works by Taverner, such as "Gaude plurimum," "Le roy Kyrie," "Ave Maria," "Audivi vocem," and "Dum transisset sabbatum," each performed with meticulous attention to historical accuracy and musical excellence.

John Taverner, a prominent figure in the English Renaissance, composed this mass during his tenure at Cardinal College (now Christ Church, Oxford). The Missa Gloria tibi trinitas is one of Taverner's most celebrated works, taking pride of place in the Forrest-Heyther partbooks, which are housed in the Bodleian Library in Oxford. The work's title is derived from the plainchant cantus firmus 'Gloria tibi Trinitas,' an antiphon for Trinity Sunday, reflecting the College's dedication to the Holy Trinity.

This recording, released in 2019, is a testament to the enduring beauty and complexity of Taverner's music. The performances by Contrapunctus and The Choir of The Queen’s College, Oxford, are praised for their ability to restore the contrasts of scale in Taverner's great mass, providing a thrilling and immersive listening experience. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Renaissance choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating journey into the sacred and sublime.