The year 1554 was significant in English history due to the marriage of Philip (later Philip II of Spain) and Mary, Queen of England, which briefly returned England to Catholicism.
Compositional Technique
Thomas Tallis's Mass Puer natus and motet Suscipe quaeso were composed without the typically soaring English treble, making them suitable for a joint performance by English and Spanish chapels.
Recording & Production
This recording was made in January 1998 at St Jude's on the Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, with Mark Brown as the producer and Mike Hatch as the recording engineer.
Historical Context
The idea of a Spanish king on the English throne was met with widespread disapproval, especially from Londoners, despite Mary I's efforts to return England to Catholicism.
Composition History
This recording presents music that may have been performed at the lavish Christmas Day 1554 celebrations in St Paul's Cathedral, which featured Philip's Capilla Flamenca.
Performer Biography
The Sixteen, led by conductor and founder Harry Christophers, is recognized as one of the world's greatest vocal ensembles, with a special reputation for early English polyphony and Renaissance masterpieces.
Composer Biography
Francisco Guerrero, a Spanish composer, was the most famous Spanish musician of his time, and his music would have been a staple for any Spanish choir, even if he wasn't present at the royal wedding.
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