Westminster Cathedral Choir
William Byrd and the Tudor revival
The first quarter of the 20th century witnessed a revival of interest in early English choral music. Encountering Tudor music had a profound influence on Vaughan Williams whose Mass in G Minor was the first substantial, unaccompanied Mass setting in a distinctly English voice since the time of Byrd. To perform this glorious, otherworldly work we welcome one of the greatest choirs in the world to the Temple Church.
Westminster Cathedral Choir gave the first liturgical performance of the Mass in G Minor 100 years ago in 1923. This year they are making history by performing the entirety of Byrd's Gradualia - settings of music for Mass - during choral services at Westminster Cathedral. Their programme tonight includes Marian Propers from Byrd's magnificent collection as well as works by Howells and Roderick Williams:
Introit: Salve sancta parens (Byrd)
Kyrie & Gloria: Mass in G Minor (Vaughan Williams)
Gradual: Benedicta et venerabilis (Byrd)
Alleluia: Post partum Virgo (Byrd)
Credo: Mass in G Minor (Vaughan Williams)
Offertory: Ave Maria (Byrd)
Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei: Mass in G Minor (Vaughan Williams)
Motet: Ave verum corpus re-imagined (Roderick Williams)
Motet: Beata viscera (Byrd)
Organ: Master Tallis' Testament (Howells)
To end: Tribue Domine - Te deprecor – Gloria Patri (Byrd)
The performance lasts approximately 70 minutes.
