Hochrenaissance: Serie M. Die elisabethanische Epoche

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Renaissance music with "Hochrenaissance: Serie M. Die elisabethanische Epoche," a captivating collection of works by the renowned English composer Orlando Gibbons. Released in 1957, this album is a testament to the enduring beauty of Elizabethan-era music, meticulously performed by the Violen-Ensemble Der Schola Cantorum Basiliensis and the Deller Consort.

Spanning 43 minutes, the album features 13 tracks that showcase Gibbons' mastery of various musical forms, including hymns, madrigals, and fantasias. From the stirring "O Lord, I Lift My Heart to Thee" to the ethereal "Song of Angels. 'Thus Angels Sung'," each piece is a testament to Gibbons' compositional genius and the exquisite craftsmanship of the performing ensembles.

The album opens with "O Lord, I Lift My Heart to Thee," a powerful anthem that sets the tone for the spiritual and introspective journey that follows. "The Hymnes and Songs of the Church: No. 34" and "Oh My Love, How Comely Now" are standout tracks that highlight Gibbons' ability to blend sacred and secular themes with remarkable sensitivity.

Instrumental pieces such as "Fantasia of Three Parts No. 1" and "2 Fantasias a 4 'For Great Dooble Basse': No. 1" demonstrate Gibbons' prowess in polyphonic composition, while "The Cryes of London" adds a touch of historical color with its evocative depiction of street vendors' cries.

This mono version of "Hochrenaissance: Serie M. Die elisabethanische Epoche" is a treasure trove for lovers of early music, offering a rare opportunity to experience the timeless elegance of Orlando Gibbons' compositions in their original context. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album promises a rewarding listening experience that celebrates the golden age of English Renaissance music.

Orlando Gibbons, born in Oxford in 1583, was a pivotal English composer and virtuoso keyboard player who bridged the Renaissance and Baroque eras. As the most renowned member of a musical family, Gibbons rose to prominence in the 1610s, becoming the leading composer and organist in England. His career, though tragically cut short by his death in 1625, left an indelible mark on various musical genres of his time. Gibbons' compositions, including his celebrated anthems and madrigals like "The Silver Swan," continue to resonate in churches and cathedrals, enchanting audiences 400 years after his passing. His journey began as a chorister at King's College, Cambridge, and later led him to join the royal household of King James VI and I. Despite his relatively small oeuvre compared to contemporaries like William Byrd, Gibbons' contributions are profound, making him a transitional figure whose music endures as a testament to his genius.