Ludford: Missa Benedicta & Antiennes Votives

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and timeless beauty of Nicholas Ludford's "Ludford: Missa Benedicta & Antiennes Votives," a masterful choral work that transcends the centuries. Released on August 18, 2017, under the Phaia Music label, this album is a profound exploration of Gregorian chant and choral music, showcasing Ludford's intricate compositions and the ethereal harmonies of the Choir of New College, Oxford, under the direction of Edward Higginbottom.

The album features the complete "Missa Benedicta et Venerabilis," a stunning six-movement mass that blends the rich traditions of Renaissance polyphony with the solemnity of Gregorian chant. Each track is a testament to Ludford's mastery of choral writing, from the reverent "Ave Cujus Conceptio" to the triumphant "Gloria in Excelsis Deo." The album also includes votive anthems such as "Ave Maria, Gratia Plena" and "Beata Viscera," adding depth and variety to the listening experience.

With a total runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes, this album is a journey through the sacred music of the Renaissance, offering a sense of tranquility and spiritual reflection. Whether you're a devotee of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, Nicholas Ludford's "Ludford: Missa Benedicta & Antiennes Votives" is a captivating and enriching experience that highlights the enduring power of sacred choral works.

August 18, 2017

2017 Phaia Music

About Nicholas Ludford

Nicholas Ludford, a luminary of the Tudor period, stands as one of the most captivating yet often overlooked composers of English choral music. Born around 1485, Ludford's legacy is most notably preserved in his magnificent festal masses, which are beautifully archived in the Caius Choirbook at Caius College, Cambridge, and the Lambeth Choirbook at Lambeth Palace, London. His compositions, characterized by their intricate polyphony and spiritual depth, offer a profound glimpse into the sacred music of the Renaissance era. Ludford's life was deeply rooted in the religious institutions of his time, with his career spanning Westminster Abbey and St. Stephen's Royal Collegiate Chapel. Despite his brilliance, Ludford's works remained relatively obscure until the rediscovery of his antiphons in the Peterhouse partbooks, which were unearthed in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, his music continues to enchant audiences with its timeless beauty and spiritual resonance, making Nicholas Ludford a composer whose works are not just heard, but truly experienced.