Henry VIII: Consort XVI

A musical journey back in time - to the world of the jesters and music makers of the royal chamber. Stately dances, gentle lute music and wistful love songs make up this programme of beautiful and elaborate sixteenth-century music from the Tudor courts of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.

There is an emphasis on peace and calm in this selection of medieval music. It includes gentle songs by one of the greatest composers of the age, Guillaume Dufay, whose music charmed the ears of the Burgundian court in the fifteenth century. Plus English harp music by King Henry VIII, and songs by Martin Codax from thirteenth century Spain.

Superb singing from one of England's exceptional new vocal ensembles, alongside music for lute and clavichord, in a programme of music from the court of Henry VIII, brings to life the pages of a musical manuscript which belonged to the King himself, and which includes many of his own compositions.