In Chains of Gold, Vol. 3

Featuring

William Hunt
Silas Wollston
His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts
Magdalena Consort
Fretwork
John Ward

John Amner
William Stonnard
Thomas Ravenscroft
Thomas Tomkins
Richard Nicholson
William Pysinge
Simon Stubbs

Did you know?

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Historical Context

The album title, 'In Chains of Gold', comes from a quote by Thomas Morley, a 16th-century English composer, who described how music should draw listeners "in chains of gold by the ears to the consideration of holy things."

Recording & Production

The viols played by Fretwork on this recording include several made by distinguished luthier Jane Julier, closely based on surviving English instruments of the period.

Instruments

Fretwork, the viol consort on this album, assembled and restrung a complete consort of smaller-bodied viols, including an original treble from 1630, to play at the historically accurate 'high' pitch.

Interpretation

The Orlando Gibbons Project, which produced this album, aims to re-imagine the English Pre-Restoration verse anthem, a neglected repertoire from the English Reformation.

Interpretation

This recording uses singers specializing in historical voice types and a higher pitch (A466) to accurately reflect the original vocal ranges and sonority of the music.

Instruments

The album features a reconstructed 'Tudor' organ, based on a 17th-century English design, which contributes a distinctive voice to the recordings.

Performer Biography

Peter Harvey, the director of the Magdalena Consort, is an internationally acclaimed performer particularly associated with the works of J.S. Bach, and has made countless recordings.