The King's Singers & Fretwork • Tom & Will: Weelkes & Byrd 400 Years (CD)
400 years ago, in 1623, England lost two of its greatest composers: William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes. In a programme marking this double anniversary, The King’s Singers and Fretwork turn their focus to the bold personalities of these two men, Will and Tom. Featuring well-known gems by the two composers, alongside works which had never been recorded before and which are rarely heard live, Tom and Will unlocks some of the humanity behind these two giants of Elizabethan music. Presented in The King’s Singers’ unique style, this programme is filled with beauty, drama and storytelling.
As part of this project, The King’s Singers and Fretwork have commissioned two new works for their joint forces, by two of Britain’s great living composers: Sir James MacMillan and Roderick Williams. These works only feature in the version performed by The King’s Singers and Fretwork, but represent a commitment to keeping the spirit of Byrd and Weelkes alive in today’s musical landscape.
- Praise our Lord all ye Gentiles – William Byrd
- If Women Could be Fair – William Byrd
- Say Dear, When Will Your Frowning Leave – Thomas Weelkes
- Like Two Proud Armies – Thomas Weelkes
- Pavan No. 3 – Thomas Weelkes
- Thule, the Period of Cosmography – Thomas Weelkes
- What Joy so True – Thomas Weelkes
- In Nomine a4 – Thomas Weelkes
- Ye Sacred Muses (1) – William Byrd
- Ye Sacred Muses (2) – James MacMillan
- In Nomine a5 (1) – Thomas Weelkes
- Hark all ye Lovely Saints Above – Thomas Weelkes
- Death Hath Deprived Me – Thomas Weelkes
- Death, be not Proud – Roderick Williams
- In Nomine a5 (2) – Thomas Weelkes
- Who Made Thee Hob – William Byrd
- This Sweet and Merry Month of May – William Byrd
- Browning (The Leaves Be Green) – William Byrd
- Alack, When I Look Back – William Byrd
- O Lord Make thy Servant Elizabeth – William Byrd
•• 'TOM & WILL' WAS OUR FEATURED ALBUM IN APRIL 2023 ••
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The King's Singers voices
Fretwork viol consort
SIGCD576 • Released 2023