The Lamentations of Robert White are a particularly fine example and represent the height of Elizabethan choral music. White succeeded in harnessing the expressiveness of the text, while deftly manipulating complex musical structures. Two other great masters of the English Renaissance, Thomas Tallis and his disciple William Byrd (both musicians at the Chapel Royal), composed Roman Catholic and Anglican liturgies. Tallis was one of the first to compose music for the new Anglican liturgy, notably the Anthems presented in this program. Byrd, himself a fervent Catholic, composed several Motets. Those chosen for this program illustrate the richness of polyphonic imitation, as well as the suppleness of Byrd’s counterpoint.

Creative residency in collaboration with the City of Amilly and Les Jardins d'Agrément

press REVIEWS

"An exciting program where Tallis, Byrd, White, with ever-changing quills touched by the breath of History, bear witness to religious upheavals through anthems, lamentations, or motets, in English or Latin, with syllabic sobriety or polyphonic magnificence."

La Nouvelle République

"The Ensemble Jacques Moderne, conducted by Joël Suhubiette, seemed to pierce through the walls of the salle des Chevaliers (Knights' Hall). They were performing "Tears of London": sacred music from the English Renaissance."

Ouest France