Henry's Music: Motets from a Royal Choir Book / Songs by Henry VIII

"The British choral ensemble Alamire (not to be confused with the American group Capella Alamire) always can be relied upon to produce sonically vibrant, vocally well-matched and balanced, interpretively authoritative performances, and that's what you'll find in this thoroughly interesting program of motets, songs, and instrumental pieces from the time of Henry VIII. In fact, many of the selections are attributed to the king himself, nine songs and instrumental pieces drawn from "the so-called Henry VIII Manuscript" that resides in the British Library. I can't emphasize enough how much of the success of this recording is due to Alamire's impeccably balanced, full-bodied, well-tuned sound, so expertly recorded in three different venues--and to the scholarship and clearly inspired direction of David Skinner. Don't delay; you'll love this!" (ClassicsToday 10/10)

This recording, produced in conjunction with the various 'Henry at 500' celebrations held in 2009, contains music written for Henry and by Henry. Voices and instruments combine to offer a fitting tribute to England's most musical king.

'Henry's Music' includes a world premiere recording of the contents of MS Royal 11.e.xi (a royal choirbook gifted to King Henry in 1516), which is to be produced in full-colour facsimile by the Folio Society, and tribute motets by Robert Fayrfax, Philippe Verdelot, and John Taverner. Alamire will be joined by the cornet and sackbutt ensemble QuintEssential and gothic harpist Andrew Lawerence-King.