Henry VIII Choirbook

Synopsis

To celebrate the 500th anniversary of the accession of Henry VIII, Lucie Skeaping looks at the manuscript of a choirbook, containing six motets, that was gifted to Henry and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Lucie talks to David Skinner who has recorded these motets for the first time with his vocal ensemble Alamire. This manuscript is one shown in the exhibition at the British Library celebrating this anniversary. Although Henry is perhaps now remembered for his ill-temper and succession of failed marriages, the early years of his reign were a time of great musical activity; he was passionate about music, composing accomplished pieces himself. This programme is being broadcast as part of BBc Radio 3's Henry VIII anniversary commemorations.

PLAYLIST:

All music from a CD entitled “Henry’s Music: Motets from a Royal Choirbook – Songs by Henry VIII”.

HENRY VIII: Consort XIII
Alamire
QuintEssential
Andrew Lawrence-King (harp)
David Skinner (director)
OBSIDIAN CD705 track 13

SAMPSON: Salve radix
[canon in honour of Henry VIII.]
Alamire
David Skinner (director)
OBSIDIAN CD705 track 7

SAMPSON: Psallite felices
Alamire
David Skinner (director)
OBSIDIAN CD705 track 8 (excerpt)

SAMPSON: Quam pulchra est
Alamire
David Skinner (director)
OBSIDIAN CD705 track 10

ANON: Hec est preclarum
Alamire
David Skinner (director)
OBSIDIAN CD705 track 11

TAVERNER: O Christe Jesu, pastor bone
Alamire
David Skinner (director)
OBSIDIAN CD705 track 1

HENRY VIII: O my heart
Clare Wilkinson (mezzo-soprano)
Andrew Lawrence-King (harp)
OBSIDIAN CD705 track 14

PHILIPPE VERDELOT: Nil majus superi vident
Alamire
David Skinner (director)
OBSIDIAN CD705 track 17

FAYRFAX: Lauda vivi alpha et oo
Alamire
David Skinner (director)
OBSIDIAN CD705 track 21

Broadcast

1. Sun 26 Apr 2009
   13:00
   BBC Radio 3