Tye: Missa Euge bone & Western Wynde Mass

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and intricate world of sixteenth-century English polyphony with Christopher Tye's masterful compositions, beautifully rendered by the Westminster Abbey Choir under the direction of James O'Donnell. This album showcases two of Tye's most significant works: the magnificent Missa Euge bone and the Western Wynde Mass, along with a selection of other sacred pieces that highlight the composer's skill and innovation.

The Missa Euge bone, Tye's magnum opus, is a six-voice masterpiece that may have been composed during Queen Mary's reign. This complex and harmonically rich work is a testament to Tye's compositional prowess, featuring intricate polyphony and striking harmonic shifts that keep the listener engaged throughout. The Western Wynde Mass, likely an earlier work, offers a contrasting yet equally captivating exploration of Renaissance choral writing.

In addition to these two major works, the album includes a variety of motets and anthems that demonstrate Tye's versatility and depth as a composer. From the penitential motet Peccavimus cum patribus nostris to the joyful hymn Give Almes of Thy Goods, each piece is performed with precision and passion by the Westminster Abbey Choir, one of the world's finest vocal ensembles.

Recorded in the acclaimed acoustics of Westminster Abbey, this album offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of Christopher Tye's sacred music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Renaissance polyphony or a newcomer to the genre, this collection of works by one of England's most accomplished composers is sure to captivate and inspire.

27 april 2012

℗ 2012 Hyperion Records Limited

About Christopher Tye

Christopher Tye was a distinguished English Renaissance composer and organist, renowned for his significant contributions to choral and sacred music. Born around 1500, Tye's career flourished during the mid-sixteenth century, a time when he served as a master of the choir at Ely Cathedral and as a music teacher to King Edward VI. His compositions, though largely lost, include masterpieces such as the Missa Euge bone and the Acts of the Apostles, the latter being the only work published during his lifetime. Tye's legacy endures through his Latin church music and his innovative chamber works, notably the 24 polyphonic In nomines. His music reflects the rich tapestry of the Tudor era, offering a glimpse into the religious and musical landscape of sixteenth-century England.