The album's title, "Times go by Turns," comes from a poem by Robert Southwell, a 16th-century Roman Catholic martyr, which summarizes the program's theme.
Performer Biography
New York Polyphony, the ensemble performing on this recording, is praised for its 'rich, natural sound' and applies a modern sensibility to repertoire ranging from medieval to contemporary works.
Composer Biography
Thomas Tallis, another composer on this album, served four different monarchs during his professional life and skillfully adapted to changes in style, liturgy, and language.
Compositional Technique
In the Credo of his Mass for Four Voices, William Byrd suspends the imitative texture and uses homophonic repetition of 'catholicam' to emphasize the words 'one holy catholic and apostolic Church'.
Composition History
William Byrd's Mass for Four Voices was intended for clandestine worship by recusant Catholics, reflecting a deeply personal connection to sacred texts.
Composer Biography
William Byrd, a composer featured on this album, was only able to compose for Catholic liturgies through special dispensations from Queen Elizabeth I.
Historical Context
Each mass setting on this album expresses Roman Catholicism and is influenced by the religious and political challenges of its time.
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