Holborne: The Fruit of Love

Featuring

L’Achéron
Anthony Holborne

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Composer's Artistic Vision

The poetic dimension of Anthony Holborne's music is exceptional in English instrumental music, with many pieces bearing suggestive titles that invite imaginative interpretation.

Composer Biography

Anthony Holborne, a Gentleman and Servant to Queen Elizabeth I, was also employed by other members of the British aristocracy, such as Sir Richard Champernowne.

Composer Biography

John Dowland, a famous lutenist and composer, dedicated one of his finest melodies, 'I saw my lady weep', to Anthony Holborne in his 'Second Booke of Songs or Ayres'.

Compositional Technique

Holborne's 1599 collection, 'Pavans, Galliards, Almains and other short Aeirs', was one of the first published collections of pieces for a consort of instruments in England.

Composer Biography

Anthony Holborne was part of a small group of renowned London musicians during the Elizabethan era, maintaining close relationships with figures like Thomas Morley and Giles Farnaby.

Compositional Technique

Holborne's dance music, though based on popular and aristocratic traditions, became less suited for actual dancing due to its complex polyphonic writing, intended more for players and listeners.

Instruments

Holborne was a virtuoso player of the lute, cittern, and bandora, and his music encouraged the addition of these plucked string instruments to the traditional consort of viols.