<<  -- 3 --  Robert Anderson    THE FIRMAMENT ON HIGH

The music makes abundantly clear how much he learnt from his 'ancient, & much reverenced Master', William Byrd. The depth and seriousness of such an anthem as O Lord, lett me knowe myne end speaks volumes for the composer's stature [listen -- track 1, 0:00-1:13]. It demonstrates also the sensitivity of the solo singing and admirable blend of the voices in ensemble. The consort music seems to have been designed mainly for the 'Three Choirs' area, where such grave and solemn music must have rejoiced many an accomplished household as in the grand sonorities of this Fantasia in six parts [listen -- track 19, 0:00-1:36]. That the Fretwork team of viols can be as nimble as they are expressive is shown in a six-part Galliard, that starts with all the friskiness of a new century [listen -- track 4, 0:00-0:58]. The disc title 'Above the Starrs' is part of the first line of a text attributed to Joseph Hall, a King James favourite created bishop of Norwich only to witness the eventual desecration of his Cathedral [listen -- track 11, 0:00-1:00]. Musically the disc is an unqualified delight, not only for the stately genius of Tomkins but for the ever-resourceful skill of the performers.

For help listening to the sound extracts here, please refer to our questions & answers page.