Blue Heron, the vocal ensemble on this recording, sings at approximately A465 Hz, a semitone above modern A440, which is slightly lower than the historical English Quire-pitch.
Historical Context
The Peterhouse Partbooks, a large collection of Masses, Magnificats, and votive antiphons, were copied just before Thomas Bull left Oxford in 1540 to join the choir of Canterbury Cathedral.
Compositional Technique
Nicholas Ludford's Missa Inclina cor meum is based on a plainchant cantus firmus, a pre-existing melody that forms the polyphonic structure, but this particular chant is described as "melodically bland."
Historical Context
After Henry VIII's death in 1547, the Protestant Reformation led to the destruction or neglect of much elaborate polyphonic music of late medieval English Catholicism.
Composition History
The Peterhouse Partbooks are the only extant source for music by John Mason, a composer whose biography is difficult to trace due to his common name.
Recording & Production
This CD is the third installment in Blue Heron's series of recordings of music from the Peterhouse Partbooks, which includes many world premiere recordings.
Historical Context
Thomas Bull copied a great quantity of music for the refounded Canterbury Cathedral, which, after the dissolution of monasteries by Henry VIII, aspired to more pomp and circumstance and hired large choirs.
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