Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

I always feel a little sorry for John Taverner (c 1490-1545). Those who enjoy Tudor music tend to put him third behind William Byrd and Thomas Tallis - which is a valid argument if we are listing them alphabetically but much more debatable in terms of quality. Less informed modern listeners may muddle Taverner (with an R in the middle) with his well-known descendant, Sir John Tavener (no R). It is easier just to say that all four are among the greats of English music and if your tastes run to early music up to and including the Tudors then John Taverner is well worth your time. On this programme early-music ensemble Contrapunctus join The Choir of The Queen's College, Oxford in a performance of Taverner's masterpiece "Missa Gloria Tibi Trinitas". The Mass is accompanied by other sacred choral works by Taverner, including his "Ave Maria" composed for Wolsey's Cardinal College, Oxford, and one of his most widely copied works, "Gaude Plurimum" - a dramatic work where Taverner exploits the power of his full forces to evoke Christ's harrowing of hell and the breaking of "the bloody powers of the prince of eternal death." Professor Owen Rees is an expert on the music of the 16th and 17th centuries and his interesting and informative CD booklet notes shed much light on the music. Contrapunctus are an acclaimed early music vocal ensemble and on this collection are supplemented by the Choir of Queen's College, Oxford. Between them the music of John Taverner comes alive and whether your interest is in Tudor polyphony of acappella choral singing this release will bring much pleasure.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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