Ludford: Missa Dominica

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and serene world of Renaissance polyphony with Nicholas Ludford's "Missa Dominica." This exquisite album, released in 2013 under the Pierre Verany label, showcases the talents of the all-male Ensemble Scandicus, directed by Jérémie Couleau and Jean-Louis Comoretto, who bring to life Ludford's lesser-known yet profoundly beautiful Lady Mass. The album features a meticulously edited and performed rendition of Ludford's Missa Dominica, a work that stands out for its alternatim settings and unique three-part scoring. The recording also includes Gregorian chants, providing a rich contextual backdrop that enhances the listening experience.

Nicholas Ludford, a composer of the Tudor period, is celebrated for his festal masses, and "Missa Dominica" is a testament to his mastery of the form. The album spans 58 minutes, encompassing nine tracks that include the Kyrie, Gloria, Alleluya, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei, along with three Gregorian chants. Each piece is performed with precision and devotion, capturing the essence of Renaissance sacred music.

"Missa Dominica" is not just an album but a journey through time, offering a window into the neglected yet significant repertoire of Renaissance composers. The ensemble's performance is both inspiring and meticulous, making this recording a standout in the genre of Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of early music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a deeply enriching and spiritually uplifting experience.

August 15, 2013

Arion

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.