Thomas Tomkins
Thomas Tomkins (1572–1656) was a Welsh-born composer of the late Tudor and early Stuart period, a leading voice in English sacred music, madrigals and keyboard writing.
He was organist of Worcester Cathedral and later of the Chapel Royal, and is often counted the last major figure of the English virginalist school.
His verse anthem When David heard that Absalom was slain (MD 3064) remains among the most affecting sacred works of the English Renaissance. Smaller keyboard pieces such as A fancy (MD 3180) show the same craft in a more intimate form.
Compositions by Thomas Tomkins appear on
Bolero: Music for Organ 4 Hands
Douglas Lawrence and Elizabeth Anderson play organ four hands on the Melbourne Concert Hall’s French-style Casavant. Bolero gathers favourites and rarities arranged or written for two players at one console.
When David heard that Absalom was slain
The Choir of Ormond College specialised in liturgical music of the 16th and 20th centuries. This recording also includes psalm settings, among them Allegri’s Miserere, a setting of the penitential Psalm 51 once reserved for the Sistine Chapel in Holy Week.