To mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Orlando Gibbons, one of England’s finest organists and composers, Portsmouth Baroque Choir and Binsted Viols recreate the sound world of the Elizabethan Church’s Year with a programme of his full and verse anthems complemented by those of his contemporaries, William Byrd, John Bull, John Amner and Thomas Weelkes. The programme also includes three pieces for a consort of viols and is framed by two well-known secular pieces by Gibbons
The concert begins with O all true faithful hearts written to encourage public rejoicing in April 1619 for the recovery from severe illness of King James I.
The Church’s Year begins with Advent, represented by This is the record of John. Christmas is represented by the delightful O ye little flock by John Amner (1579-1641). It is paired with Gibbons Behold I bring you glad tidings. We switch to John Bull for Epiphany, with his Almighty God, who by the leading of a star, known colloquially as the Star Anthem. Palm Sunday has to be Hosanna to the Son of David by Thomas Weelkes, a glorious full anthem for 6 voices. Easter Day: Christ rising again from the dead written by William Byrd in 1589, paired with Gibbons We praise thee, O Father. A Gibbons three-some marks Ascension: O God, the king of glory, a setting of the Collect for Ascension Day; the 8-part full anthem O clap your hands, one of his most energetic and brilliant compositions; See, see, the word is incarnate to a magnificent text by Dr Goodman, covering the story of Christ’s birth, ministry, entry into Jerusalem, passion, resurrection, ascension and redemption of mankind.
A swan song to finish. The Silver Swan is elegantly understated compared to other madrigals of the time.
Orlando Gibbons was the most highly-regarded English musician of his generation. He became organist of the Chapel Royal and, later, Westminster Abbey. His life was cut short at 41 while in Canterbury, possibly by a brain haemorrhage.
