During the reign of King Edward VI, strict injunctions were issued, such as those by Thomas Cranmer, which limited church music to English texts and simpler settings, impacting composers like Sheppard.
Composer Biography
John Sheppard, the composer, first appears in historical records as Master of the Music at Magdalen College, Oxford, in 1543.
Historical Context
The accession of Queen Mary, a Roman Catholic, in 1553 led to a revival of Catholic rituals and the composition of elaborate sacred music, which church musicians like Sheppard likely welcomed.
Compositional Technique
Sheppard's 'Western Wynde' Mass is unusual for its time as it is based on a secular song, 'Westron wynde when wyll thow blow', a practice also seen in masses by John Taverner and Christopher Tye.
Performer Biography
The Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, a cornerstone of the English choral tradition since the 1670s, is known for its distinctive, rich, and expressive sound.
Historical Context
Sheppard's career coincided with a turbulent period in English ecclesiastical history, including King Henry VIII's disestablishment of the Church and the dissolution of monasteries.
Recording & Production
This Chandos recording uses 24-bit / 96 kHz technology, which offers a dynamic range up to 48 dB greater and 256 times the resolution of standard 16-bit recordings, aiming for a better sound.
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