Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Orlando Gibbons

Orlando Gibbons’s life throws a light on the political turbulence affecting Britain in the early 17th century. As King James VI and I struggled to establish the concept of British identity, his court was blessed with one of England’s most talented musicians of the time, Orlando Gibbons.

Music Featured:

The Silver SwanO clap your handsOut of the DeepA Fancy (for Double Organ)Behold, thou hast made my daysWe praise thee, O FatherWhat Is Our life?I am the resurrectionHosanna to the Son of DavidHow art thou thralledFarewell all joysNow each flowery bank of MayGreat King of GodsPavan a 6Pavan and galliard Lord SalisburyFantasies in Three Parts Compos’d for Viols (No 6, No 8, No 9)This is the Record of JohnFantasia No 10 in C MajorNe’er let the SunYet if that ageTrust not too much fair youthLift Up Your HeadsFantasia No 1 for Two TreblesNay let me weepWilliam Byrd: Fair Britain IsleFantazia of Four Parts O God, the king of gloryIn Nomine for 5 ViolsFantasia No 2 for 3 ViolsGlorious and Powerful GodSee, see the word is incarnateO Lord, in thy wrathDrop, drop, slow tears (arr. P. Dearmer)Do not repine, fair sun – Parts I and IISing unto the Lord, O ye saintsO all true faithful heartsFantasia a 3 with Double Bass ViolFantasia for 6 ViolsGo from my WindowAlmighty and everlasting GodMagnificat (Short Service)Great Lord of LordsFantasia No 1 for the Great Double BassFantasia No 2 a 6The Hunt's Up (Peascod time)The Second Service (Morning): Te DeumFantasia No 4 a 6The Cryes of London I & IIBlessed are all they that fear the Lord

Presented by Donald MacleodProduced by Iain Chambers for BBC Audio Wales and West

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zvhm And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z