Recordings
Ludford: Missa Videte miraculum
Released March 2018
The Choir of Westminster Abbey discovers the forgotten works of lesser-known Tudor composer Nicholas Ludford in this recording.
Ninefold Kyrie
Alleluia. Ora pro nobis
Hac clara die turma
Ave Maria, ancilla Trinitatis
Missa Videte miraculum
Nicholas Ludford (c.1490–1557)
James O’Donnell conductor/organ
The Choir of Westminster Abbey
Lesser-known Tudor composer Nicholas Ludford spent his career at the epicentre of English musical life yet is barely known to today's audiences. Born at the start of Henry VII's reign, his life spanned one of the most turbulent periods in the country's history, encompassing Henry VIII's break with Rome, the rise of Protestantism under Edward VI and the Catholic Revival under Mary Tudor. Ludford had strong links with Westminster, working at St Stephen's Chapel in the Palace of Westminster, and later at St Margaret's Church.
While his name may not be as familiar to modern audiences as his Tudor near-contemporaries Taverner and Tallis, this disc demonstrates that Ludford's music is equally worthy of attention for its intricacy, opulence and sheer inventiveness.
Listen to extracts
Podcast with James O'Donnell
Reviews
"An exceptional work [Ave Maria, ancilla Trinitatis] and a superb performance"
"The Choir of Westminster Abbey under James O'Donnell is in its element here"
"James O'Donnell and the Choir…show the contrapuntal richness of this music. Here the choir…is at its glorious best"
- The Guardian (Fiona Maddocks)
This recording is available as a CD from the Westminster Abbey Shop online
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