COMPOSERS: Sheppard
LABELS: Hyperion Dyad
WORKS: ‘The Western Wynde’ Mass, and other sacred choral music
PERFORMER: The Sixteen/Harry Christophers
CATALOGUE NO: CDD 22022 1992/93
In contrast with his contemporaries, Sheppard’s curious use of dissonance betrays little organic relation to the music’s structural background. However, in this reissue of Vols 3 and 4 from their collection of Sheppard’s sacred choral music, The Sixteen’s beautifully poised opposition of elegant plainsong and opulent counterpoint eloquently illuminates this repertoire’s satisfying formal balance. Gaude, gaude, gaude Maria – with especially apt ethereal purity in the upper voices – and a vital performance of ‘The Western Wynde’ Mass provide impressive focal points. Nicholas Rast
Sheppard: 'The Western Wynde' Mass, and other sacred choral music
In contrast with his contemporaries, Sheppard’s curious use of dissonance betrays little organic relation to the music’s structural background. However, in this reissue of Vols 3 and 4 from their collection of Sheppard’s sacred choral music, The Sixteen’s beautifully poised opposition of elegant plainsong and opulent counterpoint eloquently illuminates this repertoire’s satisfying formal balance. Gaude, gaude, gaude Maria – with especially apt ethereal purity in the upper voices – and a vital performance of ‘The Western Wynde’ Mass provide impressive focal points. Nicholas Rast
Our rating
5