John Amner (1579-1641) spent the majority of his life working at Ely Cathedral, starting as a boy chorister and later becoming informator choristarum (choir master) in 1610.
Composition History
The elegy "An Elegy in Memory of Master Thomas Hynson" was likely commissioned by William Bourchier, the Third Earl of Bath, for his relative and secretary Thomas Hynson, who died in 1614.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The texts in Amner's "Sacred Hymnes," though from various sources, consistently focus on a Protestant theology of repentance and God's forgiveness, reflecting the piety of the time.
Recording & Production
Some pieces on this recording, such as the five-voice consort anthems "I am for peace" and "Consider, all ye passers by," are based on reconstructions by David Pinto due to missing original parts.
Recording & Production
Amner's five-part Pavan and Galliard, his only extant instrumental pieces for viol consort, are performed on this recording using scores with reconstructed missing parts by Ian Payne.
Composition History
Amner's only publication, "Sacred Hymnes of 3. 4. 5 and 6. Parts for Voyces and Vyols," was printed in 1615 and dedicated to William Bourchier, the Third Earl of Bath.
Compositional Technique
Amner's "Sacred Hymnes" demonstrates his ability to write in various styles, from three-voice canzonets to elaborate consort anthems with multiple voices in the verse sections.
