1605: Treason and Dischord

1605: Treason and Dischord

Singers: David Hurley (countertenor), Robin Tyson (countertenor), Paul Phoenix (tenor), Philip Lawson (baritone), Christopher Gabbitas (baritone), Stephen Connolly (bass). Organist Sarah Baldock (Mrs. David Hurley)

On 5 November 1605 Guy Fawkes was caught preparing to detonate 36 barrels of gunpowder under the House of Lords unveiling an act of attempted treason that shocked the whole of Europe. What led a group of young Catholic men to risk their lives for their faith?

400 years later the King's Singers and Concordia illuminate the dangers of hearing Mass in secret, of conspiracy and downfall, and of Protestant relief and celebration, through a project of music and prose.

The music, structured around Byrd's perfect 4-part Mass, contains motets by Catholic composers, balanced with Protestant anthems celebrating the downfall of the plot, and a commission from the British composer, Francis Pott. Master Tresham: His Ducke reflects on the of its day - 5/11/1605. The script, drawing on historic texts and written by Deborah Mackay for the quatercentenary concert series related to this CD, uses the dramatised persona of William Byrd, the most famous composer of his age, to recreate the atmosphere of change and hope in the Jacobean court.

Label:
Signum Records Year: 2005



£ 12.95

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1.George Whitehead's AlmandJohn Dowland (1563-1626)
2.Kyrie from Mass for 4 voicesWilliam Byrd (1543-1623)
3.A FancieWilliam Byrd
4.Gloria from Mass for 4 voicesWilliam Byrd
5.Ardens est cor meumRichard Dering (c.1580-1630)
6.Civitas sancti tuiWilliam Byrd
7.Ave Maria gratia plenaPeter Philips (1560/1-1628)
8.Credo from Mass for 4 voicesWilliam Byrd
9.Sir Henry Umpton's FuneralJohn Dowland (1563-1626)
10.O Lord how joyful is the KingThomas Weelkes (c.1576-1623)
11.From Virgin's womb/Rejoice, rejoiceWilliam Byrd
12.M. Bucton's GalliardJohn Dowland
13.Sanctus & Benedictus from Mass for 4 voicesWilliam Byrd
14.Master Tresham: His DuckeFrancis Pott (born 1957)
15.Agnus Dei from Mass for 4 voicesWilliam Byrd
 

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