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Thomas Weelkes

Hannah French traces the life and career of the Elizabethan composer and organist Thomas Weelkes, who was born 450 years ago this year.

Marking the 450th anniversary of the birth of the composer and organist Thomas Weelkes, Hannah French explores his music and his colourful life, which took him from his native Sussex to London, Winchester and Chichester, where he was frequently reported to the bishop for his drunken behaviour. Despite this, Weelkes's music survives the test of time, and his madrigals, organ pieces, viol consort music and choral works remain favourites in the repertoire today.

25 days left to listen

59 minutes

Last on

Sunday 17:00
BBC Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Thomas Weelkes

    Hosanna to the Son of David

    Choir: Oxford Camerata. Director: Jeremy Summerly.

  • Thomas Weelkes

    On The Plains Fairy Trains

    • Music from the Time of Elizabeth I.
    • Decca Music Group Ltd..
    • 6.

  • Thomas Weelkes

    Service for Trebles: Evening Canticle 1. Magnificat

    Performer: Timothy Byram-Wigfield. Lyricist: Anonymous. Choir: Winchester Cathedral Choir. Director: David Hill.
    • Thomas Weelkes: Anthems (English Orpheus 10).
    • Hyperion.

  • Thomas Weelkes

    Morning Service (The Short Service): Te Deum

    Performer: Timothy Ravalde. Director: Charles Harrison. Choir: The Choir of Chichester Cathedral.
    • What Joy so True.
    • Regent Records Ltd.
    • 03.

  • Thomas Weelkes

    Pavan, "Mr. Weelkes his 3 Pavin"

    Ensemble: Fretwork.
    • Grant the King a long life.
    • Obsidian.
    • 9.

  • Thomas Weelkes

    Give ear, O Lord

    Choir: Choir of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. Director: David Skinner.
    • Obsidian.

  • Thomas Weelkes

    Come Sirrah Jacke Hoe

    Ensemble: Piffaro.
    • Navona.

  • Thomas Weelkes

    The Cries of London

    Choir: Theatre of Voices. Ensemble: Fretwork. Director: Paul Hillier.
    • harmonia mundi.

  • Thomas Weelkes

    As Vesta was from Latmos hill descending

    Ensemble: I Fagiolini. Director: Robert Hollingworth.
    • CHANDOS.

Broadcast

  • Sunday 17:00
    BBC Radio 3

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