anon.: Sweet was the song the Virgin sang

"Beer and the viola da gamba both arrived in England in the space of a year, in the reign of King Henry VII”, wrote Henry Peacham. And yet it was not until the following reign, that of Henry VIII, that the latter instrument gained its noble status. The high point, however, occurred in the long reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603).

The consort song had its origin partly in the theatre, partly in madrigals inspired by the Italians, then very much in vogue. Fashionable English composers write songs, airs and dance pieces that would embody this uniquely English phenomenon; among them John Dowland and Anthony Holborne, who feature prominently on this disc, both leading figures in Elizabethan music. With his ensemble Musicall Humors, Julien Léonard has managed to create a viol consort of astonishing homogeneity, offset by the delicate presence at times of a lute, at times of a cittern, a harpsichord, the virginals or organ. The sonorities are round, warm, velvety, and for her first solo disc, the voice of Eugénie Warnier lies with unforced delicacy upon this instrumental duvet.

Christmas carols and Christmas songs for children with Margaret Howard and friends reading Christmas poems.

Discover what the ox and the ass really felt, and hear the sheepdog's report on what really happened to the shepherds and their flocks!

Imagine yourself in the fine surroundings of the Great Hall of Christ Church, Oxford, with a programme of Tudor sacred and secular music including music by Henry VIII, one of Christ Church's founders, and choral works associated with Christ Church during its first century.

Beautiful Elizabethan anthems performed by the seven early music vocalists of Red Byrd (using pronunciation of the period) interspersed with famous pieces for viol consort. The performances aim to recreate the sound world of the Elizabethan age and bring a breath of fresh air to this rich and inspiring music.

Features the typical instruments, composers and styles that were current in Elizabethan England. Dances (both courtly and rustic), songs, anthems, viol consorts, recorder consorts, lute solos and music for virginals, shawms, cornetts, curtals, etc. The album is a compilation drawn from our catalogue and serves as an excellent introduction to the fine music of this period.

A set containing The Sixteen's three Christmas CDs:

Christus Natus Est - An Early English Christmas

Hodie - An English Christmas Collection

A Traditional Christmas Carol Collection - Well-known and well-loved arrangements

The celebration of the Nativity has always been a source of inspiration for composers. The different elements of the evangelical narrative evoke numerous images: tender feelings before the Baby Jesus; the gentleness of his mother, the Virgin Mary; the procession of the three Wise Men; the angelic choirs in Heaven; and these shepherds gathered in the manger.

All that appears in the musical repertoire linked to this holiday, as well as the presence of colourful instrumentations and themes connected to folk traditions. This set, released by Ricercar, brings together all these elements, drawn from the repertoires of the Renaissance and Baroque eras.