Taverner: Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas • Mater Christi • Dum transisset Sabbatum • O Wilhelme - John Taverner

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and serene world of John Taverner's choral masterpiece, "Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas • Mater Christi • Dum transisset Sabbatum • O Wilhelme." Released on May 30, 2007, via AVIE Records, this album is a testament to Taverner's profound musical spirituality and his enduring legacy in the realm of choral composition.

The album opens with the contemplative "Cantus Firmus - Gloria tibi Trinitas," setting the stage for the intricate and harmonious "Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas," a five-movement mass that showcases Taverner's mastery of polyphony and his deep reverence for liturgical texts. Each section of the mass—from the jubilant "Gloria" to the solemn "Agnus Dei"—is a testament to Taverner's ability to evoke a sense of awe and devotion.

Beyond the mass, the album features several standout pieces, including the tender "Mater Christi," the reflective "Dum transisset Sabbatum," and the evocative "O Wilhelme." These works, like the mass, demonstrate Taverner's unique voice and his ability to blend technical virtuosity with spiritual depth.

With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a captivating journey through the sacred music of one of the Renaissance's most gifted composers. Whether you're a seasoned fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

30 mei 2007

(P) 2007 Christ Church Cathedral Choir

About John Taverner

John Taverner, born around 1490 in Lincolnshire, was one of the most influential English composers of the early 16th century. His life and work spanned a period of significant religious and political upheaval, which deeply influenced his compositions. Taverner's music is renowned for its contemplative stillness and artful simplicity, a stark contrast to the extravagant styles of his contemporaries. He served as the first organist and master of the choristers at Christ Church, Oxford, appointed by Cardinal Wolsey, and his sacred works, including the iconic "Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas" and "The Western Wynde Mass," are celebrated for their profound spiritual depth and technical mastery. Taverner's contributions to the mass and votive antiphon are varied and distinguished, making him a pivotal figure in the transition of English sacred music through the Reformation. His legacy endures as a testament to his enduring influence on choral music.