Ars Nova Copenhagen, Paul Hillier (conductor)
This CD is the second recording by Ars Nova Copenhagen featuring a Mass by John Taverner and a selection of works by composers from the same era – the first CD featured his Western Wind Mass. The main work here is Taverner’s Gloria tibi Trinitas Mass, one of the masterworks of Tudor church music, together with appropriate plainchants, hymn settings by White, Byrd and Tallis, and Fayrfax’s brilliant Magnificat Regale.
ARS NOVA Copenhagen is widely recognized as one of the finest vocal ensembles in Europe equally dedicated to early music and new music. Some programs explore the cross-currents between the two, while others form detailed portraits of individual composers or genres within a given period.
Another major project is in progress, with Dacapo Records, to record the five major narrative works by Heinrich Schütz – these will be released during 2009-11
“An energetic Western Wynde Mass tops the bill with Ars Nova on fine form.” Gramophone
“Hillier turns the choir into a true theatre of voices, with some startling results.”
BBC Music Magazine
