Hyperion Records

Nesciens mater is renowned for combining one of the most ingenious canonic structures possible with complete musical mastery. The eight voices comprise a canon 8 ex 4, at the upper fifth and a distance of two breves: within this strict constraint, the composer achieves an enviable variety not only of harmony, but also of counterpoint, texture, and speed of harmonic motion, creating a musical structure that fully deserves its reputation as one of the finest masterpieces of the sixteenth century.

from notes by Stephen Rice © 2012