The Ripieno Choir | Taverner's Western Wind Mass and Byrd's Mass for 4 voices

Taverner’s Western Wind mass is a set of variations in which the folk song theme moves through the choral texture surrounded by ever-inventive and intricate counter-melodies. The result is an intriguing mix of medieval, Eton Choir Book and later Renaissance effects which never fails to captivate singers and listeners alike.

Byrd modelled his famous Mass for 4 voices on Taverner’s Mean Mass, quoting from it in his own Sanctus movement. This famous work has not been sung by The Ripieno Choir for several years and we are especially looking forward to the Agnus Dei movement – some of music history’s greatest pages.

In contrast to the intricate polyphony of the sixteenth century, the twentieth century motets use simple chordal textures that are positively austere by comparison, anticipating Arvo Pärt and John Tavener. In his Ave Maria and Pater Noster Stravinsky created “a simple harmonic intonation of the words” to breathtaking effect and Duruflé’s exquisite harmonisations of plainchant melodies inhabit the same world.

Four great composers, unrelentingly brilliant music in strongly contrasting styles.