Harmonia Mundi: HMU807463
Tallis / Byrd - Heavenly Harmonies 
Tallis: Third Tune: Why fum’th in fight
Tallis: Fifth Tune: E’en like the hunted hind
Tallis: Second Tune: Let God arise
Tallis: Sixth Tune: Expend, O Lord
Tallis: Eighth Tune: God grant with grace
Tallis: First Tune: Man blest no doubt
Tallis: Veni creator: Come Holy Ghost
Tallis: Seventh Tune: Why brag’st in malice
Tallis: Fourth Tune: O come in one to praise the Lord
Byrd: Vigilate
Byrd: Ne irascaris Domine (Cantiones sacrae I, 1589)
Byrd: Exsurge Domine (Cantiones sacrae II, 1591)
Byrd: Infelix ego (Cantiones sacrae II)
Byrd: Laetentur coeli (Cantiones sacrae I)
Byrd: Quis est homo (Cantiones sacrae II)
Byrd: Mass Propers for Pentecost
Byrd: Communion: Factus est repente (Gradualia II, 1607)
Byrd: Tribulationes civitatum (Cantiones sacrae I)
Byrd: Laudibus in sanctis
Normally: £11.95 NOW: £8.95 (£7.62 ex VAT) special offer ending 30/07/2008
Format: SACD
Number of Discs: 1
Genre: Vocal/Choral
Artist(s): Stile Antico
Release Date: 4th February 2008
More Details on Tallis / Byrd - Heavenly Harmonies
At the heart of the religious disputes which ravaged 16th century England, Tallis and Byrd embody two opposing tendencies: the former's austere, homophonic Protestant psalm tunes, in which the clarity of the biblical texts was paramount, contrast with the latter's Catholic motets, which constantly heighten musical expressivity and emotiveness.
Yet, far from being stifled by the rigour of one camp or the traditionalism of the other, the creativity of these two masters of English music thrived on such constraints as they dedicated themselves to the service of their art and of God.
Working without a conductor, the members of Stile Antico rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing artistically to the musical result. Their repertoire ranges from the glorious legacy of the English Tudor composers to the works of the Flemish and Spanish schools and the music of the early Baroque. They are passionate about the need to communicate with their audiences, combining thoughtful programming with direct, expressive performances.
