Motets, Anthems, Fantasias & Voluntaries

"AAM's vocal consort is distinctly hoary but the instrumental playing - of two Fantasy-suites for violins, bass viol and organ, and a flamboyant selection of Organ Voluntaries - is divine."
(Independent on Sunday)

"There's real variety here, then: keyboard works with and without viols, full anthems and verse anthems and motets, enough to confirm Richard Egarr's belief that Gibbons' is 'an extraordinary and unique voice' and a 'true English musical treasure'. The performances are equally treasurable for the most part; I'm sure that Gibbons would have been pleased with them, though he would have been surprised at the employment of female voices. If you like the music of Orlando Gibbons and that of Henry Purcell, you should not hesitate to place your order for this major discovery whose music bridges their two worlds."
(Recording of the Month MusicWeb Oct 2012)

Born into an English musical family, organist and composer Christopher Gibbons (1615-1676) probably received early training from his famous father Orlando Gibbons. He sang in the choir of the Chapel Royal and went on to a distinguished career at Westminster Abbey and in the court of Charles II. With this showcase programme of motets, anthems, fantasias for strings, and organ voluntaries (all of which are receiving their first recording), Richard Egarr, the Academy of Ancient Music and the Choir of the AAM, aim to rescue the composer from unjust obscurity.