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John Sheppard c1520-c1560 Sheppard was a prolific contemporary of Tallis, who is sadly neglected at the moment. His music is not always as sophisticated as Tallis', but has energy and enthusiasm, and he is prepared to break the rules in a way that can sound strangely modern. Perhaps his best achievement is the way he uses treble voices in soaring high notes. In fact such was Sheppard's enthusiasm for the treble voice that he is alleged to have kidnapped a young boy from Malmesbury and dragged him back to Magdalen College, Oxford to sing in the choir. Cantate Mass: The Sixteen   Two discs and only 4 of 20 tracks are the Cantate mass - there's also a good range of motets including many of Sheppard's best known pieces, such as the Christmas motet Verbum caro factus est and the beautiful Libera nos. If you need convincing of Sheppard's genius, just listen to the Amen of Jesu salvator saeculi, redemptis - taken individually some of the lines sound positively 20th century in their modernity, and in combination it takes your breath away - it's hard not to say 'he can't do that!' - but he does. Perhaps the only criticism is that the Sixteen underplay the clashes so they aren't quite as shocking as they could be. Even so, probably the best introduction to Sheppard now on the market. - New 14 March 2003   Sacred Choral Works: Tallis Scholars   A good second CD to get if you like the sound of Sheppard, adding 6 new pieces to the Cantate Mass recording (though I admit there are two overlaps). Like the Sixteen, the Tallis Scholars have a good sound for Sheppard, though of course neither of them use the trebles that Sheppard was so fond of. - New 14 March 2003   Looking for a particular type of music or a CD with a particular piece on? Drop us an e-mail and we'll try to help. Do let us know also if you can recommend on online resource and we'll add it to our lists. Copyright © Creativity Unleashed Limited 2006 Last update 27 March 2006 THE CHURCH MUSIC SITE Home Anthems CDs Hymns Carols Info Sheet Music Weddings Baptisms Funerals  Hymn Accompaniment CDs

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