Orlando Gibbons: With a Merrie Noyse: Second Service & Consort Anthems

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Orlando Gibbons' "With a Merrie Noyse: Second Service & Consort Anthems," a captivating collection of sacred music that showcases the composer's mastery of the English Renaissance style. Released in 2003 by Harmonia Mundi, this album features 13 tracks that span a variety of religious compositions, from morning and evening services to hymns and anthems, all performed with exquisite precision and reverence.

The album opens with "This is the record of John," a stirring anthem that sets the tone for the spiritual journey that follows. The Magdalen College Choir, Oxford, and the ensemble Fretwork lend their voices and instruments to these sacred works, their performances guided by the skilled direction of Grayston Ives. The choir's pure, ethereal vocals blend seamlessly with the consort's rich, resonant tones, creating a sound that is both uplifting and contemplative.

Highlights of the album include the majestic "Te Deum" and "Jubilate" from Gibbons' Second Service (Morning), as well as the soothing "Magnificat" and "Nunc dimittis" from the Second Service (Evening). The album also features several standout anthems, such as "O Clap your Hands Together" and "Great King of Gods," which demonstrate Gibbons' skill in crafting intricate, harmonically rich compositions.

Recorded in the acoustically stunning Magdalen College Chapel, Oxford, in July 2003, this album benefits from an exceptional recording quality that allows every nuance of the performances to shine through. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Renaissance choral music or a newcomer to the genre, "With a Merrie Noyse" offers an unforgettable listening experience that celebrates the enduring power of Orlando Gibbons' music.

Orlando Gibbons, born in 1583, was a pivotal English composer and virtuoso keyboard player, standing as one of the final masters of the English Virginalist and Madrigal Schools. Hailing from a distinguished musical family, Gibbons rose to prominence in the 1610s, becoming the preeminent composer and organist of his time before his untimely death in 1625. His compositions span virtually every genre of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, showcasing his versatility and innovation. Gibbons is celebrated for his significant contributions to early music, bridging the gap between the Renaissance and Baroque periods. His works, though fewer in number due to his early passing, are marked by their depth and influence, making him an indispensable figure in the evolution of English music.