Franco-Flemish composer Giaches de Wert wrote a considerable amount of sacred music during the late renaissance, but little of it was published during his lifetime. Only three books of motets were released in 1566 and 1581. For this program, Stile Antico, one of the world's most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles, performs a selection of early motets that demonstrate Wert's masterly command of counterpoint.

Stile Antico's newest program centers on Thomas Tallis's magnificent seven-part 'Christmas' Mass, based on the festive plainchant Puer Natus Est (A boy is born). The Mass is interspersed with seasonal Tudor music, including William Byrd's exquisite Propers for the fourth Sunday of Advent, responsories by John Taverner and John Sheppard, Robert White's exuberant setting of the Magnificat, and Tallis's own sublime Videte Miraculum.