Music for these Distracted Times: The Fifth Service & Consort Anthems by Thomas Tomkins

The Choir of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge

ALAMIRE

FRETWORK

In June 2007 Alamire teamed up with the Choir of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, and world's leading viol consort FRETWORK for a programme of music by Thomas Tomkins recorded on the Obsidian label. Included are new reconstructions by David Skinner of the Fifth Service (morning and evening) and consort anthems for voices and viols. The music is set at the cusp of the English baroque era and of the Civil War, and represents a time of great personal and political struggle. 'Music for these Distracted Times' will be available for general release in the Autumn of 2007.

The programme includes: Te Deum, Jubilate, Magnificat, Nunc dimittis (the Fifth Service), Hear my prayer O Lord, Almighty God the fountain of all wisdom, When David heard, My help cometh from the Lord, and consort pieces for viols and solo organ works.

The recording marked the finale of Fretwork's residency at Sidney Sussex College as the first Lady Frances Ensemble in Residence. Their residency also includes a Festival of Evensongs for Voices and Viols in five of the choral foundations of Cambridge University: