Henry's Music: Motets from a Royal Choir Book / Songs by Henry VIII

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HENRY VIII
Henry's Music: Motets from a Royal Choir Book / Songs by Henry VIII
Alamire / QuintEssential / Andrew Lawrence-King

[ Obsidian / CD ]

Release Date: Monday 20 April 2009

This item is currently out of stock. It may take 6 or more weeks to obtain from when you place your order as this is a specialist product.

"I can't emphasize enough how much of the success of this recording is due to Alamire's impeccably balanced, full-bodied, well-tuned sound..and to the scholarship and clearly inspired direction of David Skinner. Don't delay; you'll love this!" (ClassicsToday 10/10)

"The freshness and sensitivity of Alamire distinguishes it from rival ensembles. David Skinner channels the singers' skill to create a stunning architecture out of complex and sometimes ungrateful polyphonic vocal lines." BBC Music

"The British choral ensemble Alamire (not to be confused with the American group Capella Alamire) always can be relied upon to produce sonically vibrant, vocally well-matched and balanced, interpretively authoritative performances, and that's what you'll find in this thoroughly interesting program of motets, songs, and instrumental pieces from the time of Henry VIII. In fact, many of the selections are attributed to the king himself, nine songs and instrumental pieces drawn from "the so-called Henry VIII Manuscript" that resides in the British Library. I can't emphasize enough how much of the success of this recording is due to Alamire's impeccably balanced, full-bodied, well-tuned sound, so expertly recorded in three different venues--and to the scholarship and clearly inspired direction of David Skinner. Don't delay; you'll love this!" (ClassicsToday 10/10)

This recording, produced in conjunction with the various 'Henry at 500' celebrations held in 2009, contains music written for Henry and by Henry. Voices and instruments combine to offer a fitting tribute to England's most musical king.

'Henry's Music' includes a world premiere recording of the contents of MS Royal 11.e.xi (a royal choirbook gifted to King Henry in 1516), which is to be produced in full-colour facsimile by the Folio Society, and tribute motets by Robert Fayrfax, Philippe Verdelot, and John Taverner. Alamire will be joined by the cornet and sackbutt ensemble QuintEssential and gothic harpist Andrew Lawerence-King.

Tracks:

1. O Christe Jesu, pastor bone (John Taverner)
2. King's Pavan (Anonymous)
3. England be glad (Anonymous)
4. Consort XII (Henry VIII)
5. Madame d'amours (Anonymous)
6. Tandernaken (Henry VIII)
7. Salve radix (Sampson?)
8. Psallite felices (Sampson)
9. Sub tuum presidium (Benedictus de Opitiis)
10. Quam pulcra est (Sampson)
11. Hec est preclarum (Anonymous)
12. Beati omnes (Jacotin)
13. Consort XIII (Henry VIII)
14. O my heart (Henry VIII)
15. Helas madame (Henry VIII)
16. Without discord (Henry VIII)
17. Though some saith (Henry VIII)
18. Nil majus superi vident (Philippe Verdelot?)
19. Consort VIII (Henry VIII)
20. Adieu madame (Henry VIII)
21. Lauda vivi alpha et oo (Robert Fayrfax)