Orlando Gibbons was a genius. We can probably all agree that this term is massively anachronistic. However, justified, I think, in order to establish his music on the same elevated niveau as Purcell or Beethoven or Schubert. While it is difficult to make such analogies when his music is still relatively rarely performed by comparison with these more illustrious names, but Gibbons' fecundity of imagination, his masterly handling of his material, his emotional depth and maturity, the exquisite turns of phrase, his harmonic assurance, his contrapuntal ease and mastery - all this puts him in the first rank of composers - Richard Boothby. "My Days is a ritualised memory piece about Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) written for two ensembles whose recordings informed so much of my musical development. I feel like I spend half of my life trying to trick string players to play like Fretwork, and vocalists to sing like the Hilliard Ensemble, so it was with enormous pleasure that I composed this piece." - Nico Muhly

To mark the 400th anniversary of Orlando Gibbons's death, organist and harpsichordist Stephen Farr presents a stunning tribute to one of England's greatest composers of the early seventeenth century. Gibbons, who served at the Chapel Royal and Westminster Abbey, was celebrated for his virtuosity and innovation, bridging the Renaissance and Baroque eras. This album explores the full breadth of his keyboard oeuvre, from intricate fantasias and evocative pavans to lively dances and variation sets. The album includes the Fantasia for Double Organ, showcasing Gibbons's mastery of contrapuntal invention, and the poignant Pavan and Galliard Lord Salisbury, composed in honour of the composer's noble patron. Farr's insightful interpretations reveal the expressive depth and technical brilliance of Gibbons's music. A compelling homage, this recording underscores Gibbons's lasting influence on English keyboard music.

Classical Music

Originally released in 2001, ‘Gibbons: The Woods So Wild’, played by keyboardist John Toll and awarded by ClassicsToday its top rating of 10/10 when first released, is now re-issued as part of Linn’s ECHO series. The 24 pieces on this recording are illustrative of the core of the ‘golden age’ Elizabethan repertoire. The Fantasias are the most remarkable group of pieces, the ones where Gibbons best displays his contrapuntal skills and influential techniques. John Toll was an organist and harpsichordist with a reputation for excellence in the field of early music who sadly passed away in 2001.

Classical Music

Orlando Gibbons' exquisite tunes and rock-solid bass-lines for the first English hymn-book, Hymnes and Songs of the Church, were written to be sung and played both at home and in church.

GIBBONS: Consort and Keyboard Music / Songs and Anthems