ALAMIRE FRETWORK

Thomas Tallis, Queen Katherine Parr & Songs of Reformation

Alamire with Fretwork, David Skinner

Thomas Tallis was active across the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I. He famously mastered all forms, old and new, as dictated by the changing religious landscape in 16th-century England. He died in 1585, very ancient and celebrated, and today is acknowledged widely as the Father of English Church Music.

This is a recording that not only demonstrates his consummate skills in many genres, but also features new discoveries. Among these is the first recording of an early version of his grand six-part Gaude gloriosa dei mater, but with words by none other than Henry VIII’s last wife, Queen Katherine Parr.