The recording was inspired by a concert held in the Chapel Royal, a historic establishment of musicians serving the British monarchy for centuries.
Album & Artwork
The album's title, "The King's Musick," refers to the music from the Chapel Royal, which served the spiritual needs of the sovereign.
Composer Biography
Henry Cooke, known as 'Captain' Cooke, was instrumental in re-forming the Chapel Royal choir after the Restoration in 1660, ensuring the survival of the English choral tradition.
Performer Biography
The Sixteen, the vocal ensemble on this recording, is known for its early English polyphony and Renaissance masterpieces, and has won numerous awards, including a Gramophone Award for the Eton Choirbook.
Historical Context
The Restoration of 1660 saw Prince Charles Stuart return to London to claim the throne, reversing the revolution that had deposed and executed his father.
Historical Context
The Puritans' ban on elaborate church music destroyed the tradition of chorister training, posing a major challenge for the Chapel Royal after the Restoration.
Compositional Technique
The Restoration anthem with strings, a new musical genre, emerged when King Charles II encouraged composers to add instrumental symphonies to their anthems.
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