Classical Editor: Rob Barnett
 

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JOHN TAVERNER:

Missa O Michael, Leroy Kyrie, Dum transsisset Sabbatum
.
The Sixteen Harry Christophers
Hyperion Helios CDH55054 50m DDD.

Crotchet  Amazon UK 

St Michael Archangel is a particularly powerful force in Christian doctrine and it appears that Taverner was deeply in awe of this great spiritual edifice. His Mass in honour of this mystic archangel is positively beautiful with some of the most inspired polyphony ever written. Scored for six-part choir, the Mass is full of unquestionable mastery in all its harmonic shifts and at times inspired beauty although certain effects are occasionally too risky to be effective. One can but imagine the hallowed effect of this composition on its name day in some year between 1513 and 1519 as quoted by Sally Dunkerly in her authoritative biographical and historical note. The Sixteen have no qualms about this type of music and they launch into it with sheer hair-raising technique in what is a crystal clear recording remastered to the highest standards. The short but effective 'Archangeli Michaelis interventione' is an interesting add-on as are the more substantial 'Leroy Kyrie' and 'Dum transisset Sabbatum'. Another indispensable Helios reissue.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:


Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:


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