Catalogue

Summary:

“Taverner’s Mass is the chef d’oeuvre of the greatest composer of his time, yet it has never before been recorded by the kind of liturgical choir which he had in mind; this is a courageous and significant act of reclamation” – Editor’s Choice • Gramophone

“Stephen Darlington gives majestic shape to this monumental work, effectively drawing out the imperturbable tread of the ‘Gloria tibi Trinitas’ cantus firmus. The choir produces a sound of blistering intensity” – BBC Music Magazine

John Taverner, the most outstanding English composer of his time, was appointed Informator Choristarum of Cardinal College, Oxford in 1526, with the charge of establishing the foremost choral institution in the land. He succeeded magnificently and the tradition continues to this day at what is now known as Christ Church, Oxford, with acclaimed director Stephen Darlington, renowned for his strength in 16th century choral music, at the helm. Darlington and his forces – 16 boys and 12 men, unchanged since the 1520s – pay homage to their predecessor with a programme of his liturgical music written at Oxford. While there, Taverner had to write music to be performed virtually round the clock and he rose to the challenge using great imagination. He wrote innumerable memorable melodies, with an unprecedented emotional range and a sophisticated sense of drama. His music was astonishingly modern for its time, and in its richness remains much so today.

The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford has a special and distinctive place within the great English choral tradition as it uniquely serves both an Oxford college and a diocese. With an unbroken, continuous tradition of glorious music-making for nearly five hundred years, today the choir is renowned for its vibrant sound and artistic versatility, qualities that have been praised throughout the world from Sydney to Rio de Janiero, Tokyo to New York, Helsinki to Paris. Apart from their Oxford duties and international tours, the Choir has been heard by millions on the Mr. Bean soundtracks and Vicar of Dibley TV theme tune.

Tracklist:

JOHN TAVERNER (c.1490–1545)

1. Cantus Firmus – Gloria tini Trinitas (0:41)
2. Kyrie – Deus creator omnium (2:16)

Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas
3. I. Gloria (12.56)
4. II. Credo (10.53)
5. III. Sanctus (5.47)
6. IV. Benedictus (4.15)
7. V. Agnus Dei (8.56)

8. Mater Christi (6:21)
9. Dum Transisset Sabbatum (1) (6:54)
10. O Wilhelme (3:50)

Total duration: 60:03

Recorded at the Chapel of Merton College, Oxford, England, 15 –17 November 2006
Recording Producer: Jonathan Freeman-Attwood
Balance Engineer: Simon Fox-Gál
Editing: Sebastian Schubert & Simon Fox-Gál