1605 TREASON & DISCHORD

 

William Byrd and the Gunpowder Plot

 

John DOWLAND George Whitehead's Almand, M. Bucton's Galliard

William BYRD Nunc scio vere, (Introit from Propers of SS Peter and Paul) Kyrie from 4 part Mass, Gloria from 4 part Mass

Richard DERING Ardens est cor meum

BYRD Civitas sancti tui

Peter PHILIPS Ave Maria gratia plena, Credo (from 4 part Mass)

DOWLAND Sir Henry Umpton's Funeral; BYRD In Nomine, Tu es pastor ovium (Magnificat antiphon from Propers of SS Peter & Paul)

Thomas WEELKES O Lord how joyful is the King

BYRD From Virgin's Womb / Rejoice, Rejoice

Orlando GIBBONS Viol fantasia

BYRD Sanctus/Benedictus (from 4 part Mass)

Francis POTT Mr. Tresham: His Ducke

BYRD Agnus Dei (from 4 part Mass)

 

The King's Singers; Concordia

 

On November 5th 1605 Guy Fawkes was caught preparing to detonate 36 barrels of gunpowder under the House of Lords.  A stupendous act of treason was unveiled: to assassinate King James I, the nobles, bishops and members of the Commons, all in one fell swoop. What led the group of young Catholic men to risk a horrible death, to be hung, drawn and quartered for their cause?

 

Commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, the King's Singers and Concordia illuminate the dangers of hearing Mass in secret, of conspiracy and downfall and of Protestant relief and great joy. Structured around Byrd's perfect 4-part Mass, the CD contains motets by Catholic composers, Protestant anthems celebrating the downfall of the plot and a commission from the British composer, Francis Pott, Master Tresham: His Ducke. A script, drawing on  historic texts, reproduced in the CD booklet, uses the dramatised persona of Byrd to recreate the atmosphere of change and hope in the Jacobean court.

 

Byrd (1543-1623) was perhaps the greatest master of the period and all the available evidence indicates that he was recognised as such by his contemporaries. He remained a Roman Catholic, despite England's 'conversion' to the Protestant faith and continued to write music for the Catholic liturgy throughout his career. Elizabeth seems to have tolerated this and his discreet adherence to Rome. However his faith did not prevent him from writing music for the new Anglican rite. His 4-part Mass and motets by Peter Philips and Richard Dering (displaced and living in the Netherlands) express some of the Catholic sentiments of the day. The Protestant perspective is heard in pieces rejoicing at the narrow escape of King and Parliament.  An international performing phenomenon for over 35 years, the King's Singers continue to delight audiences with charm, wit and irrepressible musicality. They are renowned for their commitment to blend, balance and intonation and share this skill at their live events, on recordings and through their extensive education work. The King's Singers collaboration with Signum Records has brought rave reviews for King's Singers Christmas [SIGCD502], Gesualdo's Tenebrae Resonsories [SIGCD048] and their recent EP Six [SIGCD056].

 

The Palace of Westminster will present an exhibition to mark the Gunpowder Plot in a location central to the actual scene of historical events in Westminster Hall, opening in July 2005. Other events being planned include events at the Historic Royal Palaces and the Royal Armouries, National Portrait Gallery, National Archives, Shakespeare's Globe, Museum of London, Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey, Syon Park and Coughton Court.

 

Signum SIGCD SIGCD061