The extraordinary number of musical settings of "When David heard" may have been triggered by the death of Henry Frederick Stuart, Prince of Wales, in 1612.
Interpretation
The four settings of "When David heard that Absalom was slain" are performed with reduced forces to heighten their expressive and thought-provoking harmonic language.
Performer Biography
The Sixteen, the performing ensemble, is recognized as one of the world's greatest ensembles, known for early English polyphony and Renaissance, Baroque, and early Classical periods.
Performer Biography
Harry Christophers, the founder and conductor of The Sixteen, also serves as Artistic Director of Boston's Handel and Haydn Society and was awarded a CBE in 2012.
Recording & Production
The album was recorded at the Church of St Alban the Martyr, Holborn, London, on February 10-11, 2015.
Album & Artwork
This album features a collection of 'poetry in music' by British composers spanning five centuries, with most settings of sacred texts.
Cultural Impact
The King James Bible's account of King David's grief for his son Absalom, from 2 Samuel 18:33, inspired over a dozen musical settings by English composers.
