In Chains of Gold: The English Pre-Restoration Verse Anthem, Vol. 1 - Orlando Gibbons: Complete Consort Anthems (2017)

performed by Fretwork, His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts, Kirsty Whatley (harp), Silas Wollston (organ), Magdalena Consort (choir, chorus)
composed by Orlando Gibbons

The English verse anthem of the 17th century was a contradictory form, progressive in some ways, conservative in others. Leading composers of the early part of the century, including Gibbons, Byrd, Weelkes, and, daringly, John Bull all wrote them, but they have never had the wide appeal of the more intimate madrigal and motet. This is the first recording of the complete consort verse anthems of Gibbons, who did much to advance the form. His anthems are grand, intricate works, seemingly written for imposing occasions, and ... Read More

The English verse anthem of the 17th century was a contradictory form, progressive in some ways, conservative in others. Leading composers of the early part of the century, including Gibbons, Byrd, Weelkes, and, daringly, John Bull all wrote them, but they have never had the wide appeal of the more intimate madrigal and motet. This is the first recording of the complete consort verse anthems of Gibbons, who did much to advance the form. His anthems are grand, intricate works, seemingly written for imposing occasions, and they are virtuoso works of counterpoint. Sample the two-section Do not repine, fair sun for an idea of why Glenn Gould valued Gibbons so highly. The progressive side came from the structural contrast built in between solo voices (taken from the small choir) and the full group, which brought in hints of contemporary Italian developments. The anthems were also in English, and their texts were meant to be understood, not repeated by rote. The most famous Gibbons anthem, This is the record... Read Less