Album Description

This new compilation from The Sixteen brings together some of the finest works written for, and in celebration of, Monarchs and the Kingdom. From Turges in the 1400s to Britten in the 20th  century, whether for magnificent state occasions or private devotion, the Kings and Queens of Great Britain have inspired and patronized some of our finest and most enduring music.

Included on this disc are two of Handel’s glorious Coronation Anthems written for the coronation of King George II; excerpts from Purcell’s music for Queen Mary; and the Sanctus from Robert Carver’s sumptuous Missa Dum Sacrum Mysterium which may well have been sung at the coronation of James V. Taking centre-stage however, is Tallis’s dazzling Sing and glorify - the English setting of Spem in alium which was adapted for King James I to honour his son Henry, the newly–anointed Prince of Wales.

On display are centuries of superb compositions from the CORO catalogue of recordings made so far, with the exception of one specially recorded track: William Byrd's fabulous O Lord, make thy servant Elizabeth our Queen to rejoice in thy strength.

Artists

The Sixteen
Harry Christophers

Track Listing

G.F. Handel (1685-1759)
1. Coronation Anthem: Zadok the Priest HWV 258 

Thomas Tomkins (1572-1656)
2. Be strong and of good courage

Thomas Tallis (c.1505-1656)
3. Sing and glorify

William Byrd (c.1543-1623)
4. O Lord, make thy servant Elizabeth 

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
5. Sixth Dance: Final dance of homage (from Gloriana)

Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
6. May her blest example chase (from Love's goddess sure was blind)
7. May she to heaven late return (from Love's goddess sure was blind) 

Edmund Turges (c.1450-?)
8. From stormy windes

Robert Ramsey (d.1644)
9. When David heard

Purcell
10. Beati omnes qui timent Dominum

Tallis
11. Sanctus (from Missa Puer natus)

Robert Carver (c.1487-after 1566)
12. Sanctus (from Missa Dum sacrum mysterium)

Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625)
13. Great King of Gods

Pelham Humfrey (1647-1674), John Blow (1649-1708) and William Turner (1651-1740)
14. I will always give thanks (The 'Club' Anthem)

Purcell
15. Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts

Handel 
Coronation Anthem: Let thy hand be strengthened HWV 259
16. Let thy hand be strengthened
17. Let justice and judgement
18. Alleluia 

TOTAL PLAYING TIME: 1hr 29mins