Sheppard's highly individual sense of sonority presents an interesting contrast with composers like Tallis, Whyte, and Byrd.
Compositional Technique
Sheppard's Mass is likely a "parody mass," a genre where a previously composed motet or antiphon forms the basis of several sections of the new work.
Composer Biography
John Sheppard, a major figure of his age, was Informator Choristarum at Magdalen intermittently between 1542 and 1556.
Compositional Technique
Sheppard's Mass is considered one of the finest works of the English sixteenth-century school, with unmistakably individual sonorities.
Composer Biography
Sheppard, the composer, once carried an exceptional chorister from Malmesbury to Oxford in chains, leading to admonishment from the Fellows of Magdalen College.
Composer Biography
Sheppard was further punished and warned after falsely claiming to be the Vice-President of Magdalen College during an overnight stop.
Composer Biography
Orlando Gibbons, a composer featured on this album, was appointed organist of Westminster Abbey in 1623 and was considered 'the best hand in England'.
You might also enjoy...
Gibbons: Tudor Church Music (Anthems & Voluntaries)
