This program, the first instalment of Missa etcetera of 2023, is devoted entirely to Christopher Tye (c. 1505-1572/73). His year of death shows that he may be one of this year’s jubilarians. But even without that, there is reason enough to pay attention to this composer.
Unfortunately, much of his oeuvre has yet to be recovered. His biography also needs to be completed. What is certain is that he spent several years as a singer at King’s College in Cambridge and then at Ely Cathedral, at least from 1541.
He was introduced to the court in the 1540s when the Protestant Edward VI was king. From that time comes church music in English texts, of which we will first hear six examples.
Then we will hear a mass created under the reign of Mary Tudor, who had succeeded Edward, who died young, and tried to return England to the Roman Catholic Church. Then, finally, we will hear a motet from which Tye borrowed motifs for his mass.
Christopher Tye (c. 1505-1572/73)
1. I elevator my heart to thee, my God
2. Save me, O God
3. Praise ye the Lord, ye children
4. To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, conducted by Bill Ives. Richard Pinel, organ
(CD: “Latin and English Church Music” – Harmonia Mundi HMU 907396, 2005)
5. My trust, O Lord, in thee is grounded
6. Christ rising again from the dead
Choir of New College, Oxford, conducted by Edward Higginbottom
(CD: “The Western Wind Mass” – CRD 3405, 1982)
7. Mass Euge bone
8. Quaesumus omnipotens Deus.
Choir of Winchester Cathedral conducted by David Hill
(CD: “Euge bone, Peccavimus and other sacred choral music” – Hyperion CDA66424/Helios CHD55079, 1991/2001)
supplement:
9. Lawdes Deo
The Spirit of Gambo conducted by Freek Borstlap
(CD: “Consort Music – In Nomine” – Musica Ficta MF8022, 2014)
On image: King Edward VI
