The English anonymous fifteenth-century Missa Caput at the centre of this disc is probably the most significant work from the period. It was copied all across Britain and the Continent and was largely responsible for the universal adoption of the ‘parody Mass’ technique and of today’s standard fourpart choir arrangement. It is a work of great stature and beauty, in this performance interspersed with a curious Latin poem which describes how two small boys composed the Salve regina antiphon while languishing in Hell.
Also represented here are six fifteenth-century carols, and an exquisite Agnus Dei from the Old Hall Manuscript.
“A fascinating disc with superbly informative and enticing notes by Christopher Page”
“A very special achievement … music of the very highest order, seldom recorded. Essential listening!”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
