ABSTRACT
John Taverner is almost certain to have gained his earliest musical experience as a choirboy in a large foundation such as Tattershall Collegiate Church or St Botolph's, Boston. The young Taverner would have encountered various types of polyphony, both improvised and composed, simple and florid. Taverner must have been acquainted early on with the music of Robert Fayrfax, a Lincolnshire man who became the most widely admired composer of his generation. Taverner achieved a similar magnificence in his festal masses, whereas Fayrfax is not known to have written for more than five voices. The polyphony sung by accomplished choirs was most commonly in five parts, although there are challenging works in four parts, including Taverner's The western wind mass, or even in three. The music of WRec 178 continues to make a strong impression on many present-day listeners, despite a certain remoteness and detachment.
