Taverner, Mater Christi sanctissima
To mark the beginning of Lent, let us consider this antiphon by the English Renaissance composer John Taverner (c. 1490-1545).
Not much is known about Taverner’s life. His entry in Grove does more to debunk earlier biographical accounts than to add new details. The first authoritative account of him arises from his appointment in 1525 as instructor of the choristers of the choir of Cardinal College, Oxford (now Christ Church), newly founded by Thomas Wolsey, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor to Henry VIII.
Wolsey would fall from grace in 1529 after failing in his mission to secure an annulment of Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Support for the college evaporated and Taverner left in 1530 to return to his native Lincolnshire. He held a significant post there at St. Botolph, Boston, but that too soon saw its revenue disappear amid Henry’s reforms.
Taverner had obviously attained some renown to earn the post at Cardinal College (where this antiphon was written). And despite the ups and downs of professional postings, he apparently managed to live quite well.
Taverner adopted a more declamatory style (more syllabic than melismatic). This, along with phrases repeated in high-low antiphonal groupings, show the influence of Josquin.
| Mater Christi sanctissima, virgo sacrata Maria, tuis orationibus benignum redde Filium, unica spes nostra Maria; nam precibus nitentes tuis rogare audemus Filium. |
Most holy mother of Christ, hallowed virgin Mary, through your prayers make kind your Son, our only hope, Mary; for, relying on your prayers, we dare to beseech your Son. |
| Ergo, Fili, decus Patris, Jesu, fons fecundissime a quo vivae fluunt aquae rigantes fida pectora, |
O Jesus, food of life for those who feed on you in purity, with the food and drink of salvation you feed our bodies. |
| O Jesu, vitalis cibus te pure manducantibus, salutari potu et cibo pavisti nostra corpora. |
Therefore, O Son, glory of the Father, Jesus, most abundant fountain from which flow living waters refreshing faithful hearts, |
| Tua pasce animam gratia; tibi consecratos Spiritu tuo fove munere. |
Feed the soul by your grace; favor with your gift those who are dedicated to you by the Spirit. |
| Quin et nostras, Jesu bone, mentes illustra gratia, et nos pie fac vivere ut dulci ambrosia tuo vescamur in palatio. Amen. |
Even more, good Jesus, enlighten our minds with grace, and make us to live in holiness so that we may enjoy the sweet food of heaven in your palace. Amen. |
