Harry Christophers, the founder of The Sixteen, intended for the ensemble to commission a new liturgical work that would endure, believing they found this in James MacMillan.
Historical Context
The early 1500s were a period of great religious ceremonial splendor in the royal establishments of both England and Scotland, with monarchs generously endowing musical institutions.
Composer Biography
Robert Carver, a pre-eminent Scottish composer, was a canon of the Augustinian abbey of Scone and his date of birth can be established as 1487 or early 88 from margin notes in his choirbook.
Composition History
James MacMillan's 'O bone Jesu' was commissioned by The Sixteen with funds from The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Southern and South East Arts.
Compositional Technique
James MacMillan's setting of 'O bone Jesu' highlights the repeated word 'Jesu' by using a two-note falling motif that is harmonized differently each time, gradually rising semitonally and in texture.
Performer Biography
The Sixteen, the vocal ensemble performing on this album, was founded twenty-five years ago to explore Tudor music and convey its texts to a modern audience.
Compositional Technique
Robert Carver's motet 'O bone Jesu' is a remarkable 19-part work, a technical challenge only surpassed by Tallis' 40-part 'Spem in alium'.
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