Tye: The Western Wind Mass

Album Description

Experience the timeless beauty of Renaissance polyphony with Christopher Tye's "The Western Wind Mass," a stunning collection of choral works performed by the renowned New College Choir, Oxford, under the direction of Edward Higginbottom. Released in 2013, this album showcases Tye's mastery of the choral form, with the iconic "Western Wind" melody serving as the inspiration for his intricate and harmonically rich Mass.

The album opens with the glorious "Gloria" from Tye's "The Western Wind Mass," setting the stage for a journey through the sacred texts of the Catholic liturgy. Each movement of the Mass is a testament to Tye's compositional skill, with lush harmonies and intricate counterpoint that highlight the choir's exceptional vocal prowess. The album also features a selection of anthems and motets, including the hauntingly beautiful "My Trust O Lord in Thee Is Grounded" and the jubilant "Omnes gentes plaudite manibus."

With a duration of just under an hour, this album is a perfect introduction to the world of Renaissance choral music. The New College Choir, Oxford, is one of the world's leading choirs, known for their precise intonation, blend, and expressive singing. Under the guidance of Edward Higginbottom, they bring Tye's music to life with a level of artistry and musicality that is truly inspiring.

Fans of early music and choral enthusiasts alike will delight in the pure, unadorned beauty of this recording. The album's crisp, clear sound and the choir's impeccable performance make it a standout in the world of Renaissance choral music. Whether you're a seasoned fan of the genre or a newcomer looking to explore its rich history, "The Western Wind Mass" is sure to captivate and inspire.

28 feb 2013

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.