Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The Protestant Reformation in Tudor England was, to mis-apply Charles Dickens, both the best of times and the worst of times and if you want to know more about the religious and social context I recommend a look at a 1990 article by Dave Massey, about Thomas Tallis, on the Cross Rhythms website. The CD under review is the first disc of Tudor and Jacobean choral music from the Choir of York Minster under Director of Music Robert Sharpe, which, I am pleased to say, meets the standard of their previous Christmas releases. This wide-ranging survey traces the "threads of gold" weaving through the development of sacred choral works from immediately before the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558 to 1603) to the early Jacobean period following, a period considered a Golden Age in English music. With sacred works from the major composers of the second half of the 16th century and the early years of the 17th, namely William Byrd, Orlando Gibbons, William Mundy and Thomas Tallis, there are examples of Latin polyphonic motets, concise a cappella anthems in both Latin and English and more elaborate verse anthems with extensive solos and organ accompaniment, here played by David Pipe. The booklet notes by John Lees are helpful and texts and translations are included so this makes an excellent introduction to one of the most exciting periods in English music as well providing a soundtrack for a time of almost unimaginable social and political turmoil.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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