Image: Henry VIII by Hans Holbein the Younger
Music from the time of Henry VIII
VOICES & INSTRUMENTS
Tutor: Ralph Allwood
Location: Morley Green Centre, Wilmslow
Reviewer: Mark Flinn
A group of 23 singers and wind players (recorders and crumhorns) met in the rustic surroundings of Morley Green Centre, just outside Wilmslow, on Saturday 9th November. We were led with authority and humour by Ralph Allwood MBE, a distinguished choral conductor, who has led the Eton Choral course, the Rodolfus Choir and the Trinity Laban Choir, and was Director of Music at Eton College for 26 years. The theme of the day was music from the time (and the court) of Henry VIII.
Over five hours of music making, we studied around 15 pieces, mostly quite short, and many written by Henry VIII himself. We started, of course, with his well-known Pastime with good company. The mood changed with Dagerre’s exquisite setting Downberry Down. The best known composer represented on the day was probably William Cornysh (?1468-1523): we were assured by Ralph that his other duties included repairing the court latrines! Cornysh was clearly better employed as a composer, and we performed his well-known A Robyn along with the wonderfully double entendre-laden Blow thy Horn, Hunter and the more cerebral My love she mourneth.
The highlight of the day was the beautiful extended carol setting Quid petis O fili by Pygott (?1485-1549), a piece unknown to most participants, and a delight for singers and players. One of the participants has already downloaded a CPDL edition for future study.
The recorder players took time out to work on, and then perform, Henry’s own setting of Taunder Naken in three parts, which the singers enjoyed very much.
Other pieces, all by Henry, included Green groweth the Holly, Adieu, Madame et ma Maitress, The Time of Youth, Alas what shall I do, Lusty youth should us ensue and Gentil Prince de renom. His contribution to the latter piece was a single vocal line added to three other lines by another (un-named) composer. We performed this piece both with and without Henry’s eccentric addition.
This was a workshop exploring what was, for many participants unfamiliar and enjoyable repertoire. Our next workshop is with Martin Westhorp on 8th February 2014 in Westhoughton with the theme Fire and Water.
Mark Flinn
First published in December 2013 Newsletter
