William Croft (1678–1727) was the finest English composer of his age, having followed in the footsteps of Henry Purcell and John Blow at Westminster Abbey....

William Croft (1678–1727) was the finest English composer of his age, having followed in the footsteps of Henry Purcell and John Blow at Westminster Abbey. This recording highlights his full anthems and Burial Service published in his ambitious and successful Musica Sacra of 1724, which succinctly demonstrates his passion for the preservation of English church music in an age rapidly becoming dominated by the stage and grand oratorios. Croft was deeply inspired by Thomas Tallis and, at the height of his career, flourished in the shadow of Handel. The Sidney Sussex College Choir’s first recording with Obsidian, Thomas Tomkins ‘These Distracted Times’ with Fretwork and Alamire was awarded both Gramophone Editor’s Choice and their CD of the Month. Their most recent, music by Thomas Weelkes, was also nominated for a Gramophone Award in 2014. David Skinner is well known as a leading scholar and performer of early music, and director of the acclaimed vocal ensemble Alamire.