This choir sings with a more full-throated sound than many English peers. In Westminster Abbey, a 30+ voice choir likely would sing this with more finesse. I have soloed in this at Incarnation (Episcopal) in Dallas and our style was a little quieter.
The "full choir" singing a mass for five VOICES seems to destroy this work. This work was intended for five voices (of which instruments could make up all but one) to be sung in the illicit services in private country houses. The symbolism is not lost - but that makes Byrd no less of a traitor to the rightful Church of England. It is nice, however, to see that our Cousins in the Italian Mission can enjoy good music as well. In the US they can only seem to enjoy guitar masses.
@kingofprussia33 I understand where you are coming from, but a mass for 5 voices doesn't necessarily mean 5 singers (although in Byrd's case it is likely). While 5 singers would be more intimate and symbolic, we must remember that this is a modern, liturgical performance of this great work, intended for the celebration of the mass, not for the accurate historical reproduction of its dubious first performance.
This choir sings with a more full-throated sound than many English peers. In Westminster Abbey, a 30+ voice choir likely would sing this with more finesse. I have soloed in this at Incarnation (Episcopal) in Dallas and our style was a little quieter.
texlad04 6 months ago
The "full choir" singing a mass for five VOICES seems to destroy this work. This work was intended for five voices (of which instruments could make up all but one) to be sung in the illicit services in private country houses. The symbolism is not lost - but that makes Byrd no less of a traitor to the rightful Church of England. It is nice, however, to see that our Cousins in the Italian Mission can enjoy good music as well. In the US they can only seem to enjoy guitar masses.
kingofprussia33 1 year ago
@kingofprussia33 I understand where you are coming from, but a mass for 5 voices doesn't necessarily mean 5 singers (although in Byrd's case it is likely). While 5 singers would be more intimate and symbolic, we must remember that this is a modern, liturgical performance of this great work, intended for the celebration of the mass, not for the accurate historical reproduction of its dubious first performance.
gebbytoo 1 year ago