John Dowland, an English composer, was denied a position in the English court, unlike Byrd or Tallis, due to his Roman Catholicism, and rumors of espionage followed him throughout his life.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in two different locations: Prichard-Jones Hall, Bangor University, and Turner Sims Concert Hall, University of Southampton.
Performer Biography
John Hosking, who plays harpsichord, organ, and piano on this album, was the Organ Scholar of Westminster Abbey for three years, playing for many Royal and State occasions.
Performer Biography
Olivia Hunt, the soprano on this recording, was a chorister at Chester Cathedral and a finalist in BBC Radio 2's Young Chorister of the Year competition in 2009.
Composition History
Isabella Leonarda, a female composer from the 17th century, dedicated her motet Quam Dulcis es, quam cara to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Basilica at Loreto, a method she used to secure financial support from wealthy patrons.
Composer Biography
William Byrd, an English composer, became a member of the Chapel Royal and studied with Thomas Tallis due to the early death of Robert Parsons in 1572.
Instruments
The organ used for tracks 1-10 is the Hill, Norman & Beard Organ at Prichard-Jones Hall, Bangor University, which incorporates some pipework from a previous Willis organ.
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