Tune thy Musicke to thy Hart: Tudor & Jacobean music for private devotion

Featuring

Stile Antico
Fretwork
Thomas Tomkins
John Amner
John Taverner
Robert Ramsey

Thomas Tallis
Robert Parsons
John Browne
Giovanni Croce
John Dowland
Thomas Campion
William Byrd
Orlando Gibbons

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Composition History

The untimely death of Prince Henry in 1612, which caused national mourning, inspired several devotional madrigals, including Robert Ramsay's 'How are the mighty fall'n' and Thomas Tomkins' 'When David heard'.

Historical Context

During the 16th century in England, domestic music-making was widespread, and music literacy was higher and increasing, especially for 'secular' religious music for private devotion.

Recording & Production

This album was the final recording made by Richard Campbell with Fretwork, the group he helped found, and was recorded shortly before his death in March 2011.

Performer Biography

Stile Antico, a group of young British singers, performs without a conductor, with each member contributing artistically to the musical outcome.

Performer Biography

Fretwork, a viol consort, has a broad repertoire ranging from 16th-century Venice publications to contemporary commissioned music, and has been performing for 25 years.

Compositional Technique

The 'In nomine' instrumental genre originated from a beautiful passage in John Taverner's Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas, which was adapted for various instrumental ensembles.

Compositional Technique

Many early devotional pieces, like those of Edwardine Protestant church music, featured syllabic word-setting and simple counterpoint with chordal textures.