John Taverner - Taverner: Missa Sancti Wilhelmi & Other Sacred Music (LP)

Immerse yourself in the sacred and serene sounds of John Taverner's "Taverner: Missa Sancti Wilhelmi & Other Sacred Music," a choral masterpiece released in 1991. This album, featuring the renowned ensemble The Sixteen conducted by Harry Christophers, is a profound exploration of early Renaissance sacred music. With a runtime of just over 51 minutes, it offers a collection of seven tracks that are both spiritually uplifting and musically intricate.

The centerpiece of the album is the "Missa Sancti Wilhelmi devotio," also known as the "Small Devotion," a beautiful and contemplative mass composed by Taverner. Each movement of the mass—Gloria, Credo, Sanctus & Benedictus, and Agnus Dei—is performed with exquisite precision and devotion, showcasing the ensemble's exceptional vocal prowess. The album also includes other sacred works such as "O Wilhelme, Pastor bone," "Dum transisset Sabbatum II," and "Ex eius tumba," each contributing to the overall atmosphere of reverence and tranquility.

Recorded under the Hyperion label, this album is a testament to Taverner's skill as a composer and the remarkable talent of The Sixteen. Whether you are a fan of choral music or simply seeking a moment of peace and reflection, this album offers a deeply moving and enriching listening experience.