Search - Thomas [Composer] Tallis, The Tallis Scholars :: Tallis: Missa Puer Natus Est Nobis (The Tallis Christmas Mass)

Unearthly voices

scott | Calgary, Canada | 12/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have long thought that Tallis is one of the best composers as his music if unfailingly enjoyable. This cd from the Tallis Scholars makes a very strong case for Thomas, and highlights the Scholars strengths as well.



The (incomplete) mass was probably written in 1554 on the occasion of Phillip II of Spain's visit to England to wed Queen Mary. Phillip had brought his Capilla Flamenca with him, so Tallis wrote this mass in a more continental style for their benefit. It is missing the characteristic high treble lines often associated with the English school, and compacts the seven voices into a relatively narrow range. The contrapuntal technique employed is fierce, with the cantus firmus in the tenor surrounded by a thick imitative texture.



Audivi vocem is a well known motet that is quite beautiful, while the Magnificat is a very early work from Tallis' youth, which is fairly straight forward.



The Marian antiphon Ave Dei patris is also an early work, but shows very clearly the brilliance of a young Tallis. It is more archaic sounding, obviously influenced by similar works by Fayrfax and Taverner. It is very English sounding with stratospheric treble parts ringing out over the other voices. This top line is sung by Ruth Holten and Deborah Roberts, and it is amazing that humans are able to make that pure ethereal sound. They blend together perfectly, and it is hard to believe it is two separate voices. Utterly gorgeous!!



Some people are not fond of the Tallis Scholars sometimes treble-heavy sound, but on this cd it is shown to great advantage. This is a recording well worth owning."