The piece 'Upon la mi re' could only have been played on Venetian harpsichords at the time of its composition, and Henry VIII had a Venetian keyboard-player, Dionisio Memo, in his service.
Historical Context
The Fitzwilliam Virginal Book, a major source of English virginal music, was likely copied at Westminster Palace as government work, possibly guided by Richardson.
Composer Biography
Ferdinando Richardson, the composer, was not a professional musician but held a prestigious position as Groom of the Privy Chamber to Queen Elizabeth I.
Composition History
Richardson's poem in the 1575 collection Cantiones Sacrae implies he had composition lessons from Thomas Tallis, a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal.
Performer Biography
Glen Wilson, the performer, studied at The Juilliard School before moving to Holland in 1971 to study with Gustav Leonhardt, a renowned harpsichordist.
Compositional Technique
The Pavane and Galliard in A minor by Richardson may be a 'tombeau' for Queen Elizabeth I, an early English tradition of memorial pieces, with the pavane featuring bells and tolls.
Compositional Technique
The virtuosity in Richardson's harpsichord works shows the unmistakable influence of Dr. John Bull, a younger master known for brilliant variations and extended chromatic bass-lines.
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