Following the release of Threads of Gold in February 2017, we’re delighted to present a second recording devoted to Tudor and Jacobean sacred choral music from the Choir of York Minster, conducted by Robert Sharpe.

Captured in the warm and radiant acoustic of the Lady Chapel of York Minster, 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 (1558–1603) 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 – Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, Orlando Gibbons, and Thomas Tomkins – there are examples of Latin polyphonic Motets, concise a capella anthems in both Latin and English, and more elaborate verse anthems with extensive solos and organ accompaniment.

The recording features several of the most well-known examples of church music from the period, including ‘Ave Maria’ by Robert Parsons, ‘Ave verum corpus’ by William Byrd, and arguably one of the most perfect and beautifully-simple pieces of music ever written, ‘If ye love me’ by Thomas Tallis.

Early Music Review reviewing Threads of Gold:

‘This is a radiant recording of glorious music, sung by a fine

provincial English cathedral choir right at the top of its game.’

Reviews of other CDs from the Choir of York Minster on Regent:

‘... vivid, intense, and committed singing with perfect blend,

intonation, ensemble, and diction... ‘

American Record Guide

‘With composers Edward Bairstow and Francis Jackson among its former choirmasters,York Minster has an admirable musical heritage. The current choir celebrates it in style.’ BBC Music, July 2019

‘...the music and its performances are simply stunning.’ Cathedral Music

‘...a soaring paean of excellence and dedication.’ Organists’ Review, September 2019