Album insights
Christopher Tye and Thomas Tallis, both born around 1505, were esteemed composers who began their musical journeys in the early 16th century. Despite lack of records before the 1530s, their biographies unfolded distinct paths. Tallis served at various locations, while Tye pursued music studies at Cambridge and sang at King’s College. Both composers fostered royal connections and excelled in creating music for different church denominations. Tye, known for his uniquely bold compositions, juxtaposed Tallis' more generous style. Tye's works, though provocative and stubborn, exuded moments of breathtaking beauty, revealing his strong-willed nature. Through their contrasting musical approaches, the composers left lasting legacies during the politically tumultuous mid-16th century.
The collection showcases Tye's sacred compositions for voices ranging from four to seven parts. Notably, Tye's harmonic innovation is highlighted, particularly the distinctive harmonic technique known as the "subdominant false relation." The enduring quality of Tye's music resides in its captivating intricacy, placing it amongst the finest Renaissance and English works. Tye’s Missa Euge bone, considered his masterpiece, reflects intricate compositional craftsmanship. The musical setting is bold, dissonant, and exceedingly expressive, setting it apart from its contemporaries.
"Christ rising," a six-part Easter anthem by Tye, stands as a testament to his expressive and dissonant harmonic language. Meanwhile, "Give almes of thy goods" and "Peccavimus cum patribus nostris" showcase Tye's concise yet characteristic melodic and harmonic styles. The "Western Wynde Mass" exemplifies Tye's compositional mastery, laced with unique stylistic elements and featuring a secular tune within a sacred context. Lastly, "Nunc dimittis" represents a blend of traditional and modern English musical elements, pointing to Tye's evolving style.
Jeremy Summerly © 2012