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:
