Search - Robert Carver, Cappella Nova, Alan Tavener :: Robert Carver Vol. 2: 6 Part Mass; 4 Part Mass 'L'homme armé'

To really understand what was going on musically in Britain during the 16th century, a visit to Scotland would have been necessary. There you certainly would have encountered the works of Robert Carver, whose music is explored by Scotland's own professional a cappella ensemble, Cappella Nova, on three discs. Carver's style is easily recognized for its slowly moving harmonic rhythm, high soprano parts, and melodies that seem to arise from--rather than determine--the harmony. The Mass l'Homme Arme reflects a common practice of this period, in which a new work was created from a pre-existing piece--a song or motet, for instance. The French song used for Carver's mass was used by many composers from Josquin to Palestrina; and while Carver's version doesn't rival either of theirs, it shows an originality of sound and texture that engagingly sets it apart. --David Vernier