The English Golden Age

The 16th Century is rightly regarded as a Golden Age in English choral music. Tallis’ unique 40-part motet Spem in alium is justly popular and famous but earlier repertoire such as Wylkynson’s Salve Regina from the Eton Choirbook written for what must have been highly accomplished choral foundations, presents a lavish spectacle even to our 21st Century ears. Taverner’s mass Gloria Tibi Trinitas is the most elaborate of his six-voice settings and was as much admired in the 16th century as it is in this. Sheppard’s Media vita is an extraordinary composition with a sustained intensity created by dissonant harmonies and is, as with the other compositions in this programme, written on a large scale.