Search - John Sheppard, Peter Phillips, Tallis Scholars :: John Sheppard: Media Vita

A voice teacher and early music fan

George Peabody | Planet Earth | 10/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"TALLIS SCHOLARS CONTINUE TO ENLIGHTEN EARLY MUSIC LOVERS!



John Sheppard's (c.1515-1559) most important music was written for the Church, either as hymns, responds or Mass settlings. His style is immediately recognisable, since much of his writing was for the same six part choir of treble, two countertenors, tenor and bass, which he used to achieve the maximum sonority; he used the treble voice with unusual flair. Some of his harmonies were also exceptionally daring by the standards of his time.



All the music included on this disc is based on chant. 'Verbum caro' and 'Reges Tharsis' are responds for Matins on Christmas Day and Epiphany respectively, and the 'In Manus Tuas' (settings from Compline on Passion Sunday to Wednesday in Easter Week) also have a respond structure. All three of these are founded on the same chant melody. 'Christe Redemptor omnium' and 'Sacris solemniis' are hymns from Lauds on All Saints Day and Vespers at Corpus Christi respectively, each with a sequence of verses which alternate chant and polyphony.



'Media vita' is a unique achievement, in its length, expressive power and liturgical function. The text consists of the antphon to the 'Nunc dimittis'at Compline on the major feast-days in the two weeks before Passion Sunday. The composition begins with some of the most haunting words in any of the Offices:'Media vits in morte sumus' (in the midst of life we are in death). It was in setting these words that Sheppard conceived one of the greatest passages in all Tudor polyphony.



What can be said about the Tallis Scholars that has not already been said!!?? WELL!!!They continue to enrich and enlighten our lives with their excellent rendition of music by composers that we would not have known about prior to their MANY recordings.(This one in 1989) They are superb ensemble singers as well as individually skilled soloists. Thier sound is ethereal and thier emotional investment is always at the maxiumn level. Peter Phillips has shown through the years his ability both as a competent conductor and indeed an Early Music Specialist."