Singers: David Hurley (countertenor), Nigel Short (countertenor), Paul Phoenix (tenor), Philip Lawson (baritone), Gabriel Crouch (baritone), Stephen Connolly (bass)

The King’s Singers’ collaboration with Signum Records continues with this outstanding collection of madrigals from 23 composers including Thomas Morley, John Bennet, Michael Cavendish and Thomas Weelkes.

A collection of 25 madrigals from 23 different composers – from the famous to the obscure – make up this Elizabethan curiosity, published in 1601 by Thomas Morley. A musical dedication to Queen Elizabeth I, The Triumphs of Oriana displays the talents of English songwriters, long overshadowed by their European counterparts, conjuring up an image of an idealised and mythical England of old.

Track Listing

1. Hence, stars, too dim of light Michael East 1:40
2. With angel's face and brightness Daniel Norcombe 2:05
3. Lightly she whipped o'er the dales John Mundy 2:57
4. Long live fair Oriana Ellis Gibbons 2:40
5. All creatures now are merry-minded John Bennet 1:54
6. Fair Oriana, beauty's queen John Hilton 2:02
7. The nymphs and shepherds danced George Marson 2:39
8. Calm was the air and clear the sky Richard Carlton 3:43
9. Thus Bonny-boots the birthday celebrated John Holmes 2:29
10. Sing, shepherds all, and in your roundelays Richard Nicolson 3:27
11. The fauns and satyrs tripping Thomas Tomkins 4:23
12. Come, gentle swains Michael Cavendish 3:04
13. With wreaths of rose and laurel William Cobbold 2:08
14. Arise, awake, awake Thomas Morley 2:10
15. Fair nymphs, I heard one telling John Farmer 2:23
16. The Lady Oriana John Wilbye 2:23
17. Hark! Did ye ever hear so sweet a singing? Thomas Hunt 3:01
18. As Vesta was from Latmos hill descending Thomas Weelkes 3:02
19. Fair Orion in the morn John Milton 2:13
20. Round about her charret Ellis Gibbons 2:27
21. Bright Phoebus greets most clearly George Kirbye 2:14
22. Fair Oriana, seeming to wink at folly Robert Jones 2:54
23. Fair Cytherea presents her doves John Lisley 3:38
24. Hard by a crystal fountain Thomas Morley 3:05
25. Come, blessed bird Edward Johnson 2:30

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