Episode 1
Donald Macleod focuses on an occasion in 1520, when Henry VIII was in France to sign a royal treaty, an occasion when his chapel musicians had to show their skills.
For as long as we've had church music itself a Chapel Royal has been serving the musical and spiritual needs of British monarchs. Scarcely a single British composer of note for centuries failed to be associated with it. Byrd, Purcell, Handel, Gibbons, Locke, even Sir Arthur Sullivan of G&S fame all gave their best to adorn state occasions and royal worship, right up to the recent wedding of William and Kate.
This week, Donald Macleod takes five snapshots of the Chapel's itinerant musicians, following their fortunes as they navigate a perilous route from monarch to monarch. Often their careers prosper, with grand masques for Queen Elizabeth I and battlefield triumphs under Henry V. But there are periods of near collapse too, most notably the years of the Civil War which almost finished the Chapel for good. And we hear the written testimonies of many who gave their best years to the choir, most of them thankful for the education it gave them but also some with dark memories of bullying amongst the ranks.
We begin in 1520, and a royal 'G2' long before the G10 was ever invented. Henry VIII is in France for the signing of a royal treaty. No expense is spared as a 'porta-palace' is constructed complete with a fountain gushing with claret. It's an occasion when his chapel musicians must show what they are made of.
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Music Played
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Anon
Anon - Fanfare
Performer: Philip PICKETT - Director Performer: New London Consort
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William Cornysh
Adieu my heartes lust
Performer: Musica Antiqua Of London
- Amon RA.
- CD-SAR 51.
- 6.
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William Cornysh
Gaude virgo mater Christi for 4 voices
Performer: Andrew CARWOOD - Director Performer: Cardinall's Musick
- ASV.
- CD GAU 164-.
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King Henry VIII of England
Consort in 3 parts no. 12
Performer: David SKINNER - Speaker Performer: Alamire Performer: Quintessential Sackbutt And Cornett Ensemble
- OBSIDIAN.
- CD-705.
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Anon
Madame d'amours a 4
Performer: David SKINNER - Director Performer: Alamire Performer: Quintessential Sackbutt And Cornett Ensemble
- OBSIDIAN.
- CD705.
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King Henry VIII of England
Taunder naken for 3 instruments [arr. of Flemish song T'Andernaken al op den Rijn]
Performer: Andrew LAWRENCE-KING - Harp Performer: David SKINNER - Director Performer: Alamire Performer: Quintessential Sackbutt And Cornett Ensemble
- OBSIDIAN.
- CD-705.
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Thomas Damett
Salve porta paradisi for 3 voices [Old Hall MS no.54]
Performer: Hilliard Ensemble
- EMI.
- CDC-7 54111 2.
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Thomas Damett
Beata Dei
Performer: Hilliard Ensemble
- EMI.
- CDC-7 54111 2.
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Anon
Anon - Deo gratias Anglia (The Agincourt carol) [Trinity Coll. Cambridge Ms.o.3.58]
Performer: Christopher PAGE - Director Performer: Gothic Voices
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Anon.
French Fanfare
Performer: Philip PICKETT - Director Performer: New London Consort
- 成人快手 Recording.
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Josquin des Prez
Allegez moy for 6 voices
Performer: Philip PICKETT - Director Performer: New London Consort
- 成人快手 Recording.
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William Cornysh
Blow thi horne hunter S.29 for 3 voices
Performer: Philip PICKETT - Director Performer: New London Consort
- 成人快手 Recording.
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Robert Fayrfax
Magnificat "Regale" [2nd tone] for 5 voices
Conductor: Harry CHRISTOPHERS Performer: The SIXTEEN
- CORO.
- 16026.
Broadcasts
- Mon 14 May 2012 12:00成人快手 Radio 3
- Mon 14 May 2012 18:30成人快手 Radio 3
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