John Taverner - Imperatrix Inferni - Votive Antiphons - John Taverner

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and ethereal world of John Taverner's "Imperatrix Inferni - Votive Antiphons," a breathtaking choral album released in 2011. This exquisite collection of eight votive Marian antiphons, performed by the renowned early music ensemble Alamire under the direction of David Skinner, offers a profound exploration of Renaissance sacred music. The album, released on the Obsidian label, spans a duration of one hour and ten minutes, providing a rich and immersive experience for lovers of choral and liturgical music.

The album features a selection of Taverner's most revered compositions, including the hauntingly beautiful "Ave Dei Patris filia" and the triumphant "Gloria in excelsis." Each piece is meticulously performed, showcasing the ensemble's mastery of Renaissance vocal techniques and the composer's intricate polyphonic style. The album's title, "Imperatrix Inferni," refers to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Empress of Hell, a theme explored in the "Ave Dei Patris filia" antiphon, adding a layer of historical and theological depth to the music.

"Imperatrix Inferni - Votive Antiphons" is a testament to John Taverner's enduring legacy as one of the most significant composers of the Renaissance period. The album's meticulous production and the ensemble's impeccable performance make it a standout release in the choral genre. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Renaissance music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a captivating and spiritually uplifting experience.

October 4, 2011

2011 Obsidian

About John Taverner

John Taverner, born around 1490 in South Lincolnshire, England, was a pioneering English composer and organist, celebrated as one of the most significant figures in English Renaissance music. His sacred works, particularly his masses and motets, are renowned for their intricate polyphony and profound spiritual depth. Taverner's compositions, such as the Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas, The Western Wynde Mass, and Missa Corona Spinea, are considered masterworks that epitomize the culmination of early 16th-century English polyphony. His music not only reflects the religious fervor of his time but also the political and historical events that shaped Tudor England. Taverner's legacy endures as a testament to his enduring influence on choral music, making him a cornerstone of the English musical canon.