Renaissance sacred music at Parker Chapel
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| Tallis Scholars |
On April 13, anyone even vaguely interested in early music should get themselves to Parker Chapel to hear the Tallis Scholars, considered by many to be the leading interpreters of Renaissance sacred music in the world. The 20-voice ensemble was founded in 1973 by Director Peter Phillips and quickly established a reputation for scholarly and musical excellence, practically setting the standard for performance of Renaissance vocal music.
The Tallis Scholars have performed the world over, including such honorific events as their 1994 performance in the Sistine Chapel to mark the final stage of the restoration of Michelangelo's frescoes and a performance in Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Palestrina, who essentially defined Renaissance polyphony. Their visibility and far-reaching effect is due in part to Gimell records, the multiple-award-winning record label launched in 1981 by Phillips to record the ensemble. Phillips' depth of scholarly and artistic understanding of the repertoire, the ensemble's meticulous vocal purity, and the sheer beauty of their performances are well worth investigating. •
Peter Phillips will host a choral workshop at 4pm Wednesday, April 13 in the Trinity University Music Department. At 8pm the Tallis Scholars will perform in Parker Chapel. Trinity University is located at 1 Trinity Place, at the intersection of Hildebrand and Highway 281. Admission is free. For more information, call 999-8212.
