John Amner: Sacred hymnes of 3, 4, 5 and 6 parts (1615) for Voyces and Vyols

Abstract

The latest offering from The English Madrigalists series is the Sacred Hymnes of 3, 4, 5 and 6 Parts for Voyces and Vyols (1615) by John Amner. The release is significant— it is a modern publication of a collection hitherto omitted from Edmund H. Fellowes’ English Madrigal School series, and an attempt to increase the awareness of a name and works seldom heard in comparison to contemporary composers such as Morley, Gibbons, Wilbye, Weelkes and Tomkins. ¹ This increased focus on lesser known composers brings both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side it encourages work on topics that would otherwise almost certainly be overlooked and, in conjunction with recordings, enables exposure to a far greater repertory. However, this all-inclusive approach also risks endorsing the attitude that ‘all past music is good music’. In the case of John Amner's Sacred Hymnes, however, the result is favourable— past music is good music and what is presented is a commendable modern edition.

The first 36 volumes of The English Madrigal School series, edited by Fellowes, were issued between I9I 3 and I924. Volumes 37 to 39 were published between 1976 and 1988 under the title The English Madrigalists.

The first 36 volumes of The English Madrigal School series, edited by Fellowes, were issued between I9I 3 and I924. Volumes 37 to 39 were published between 1976 and 1988 under the title The English Madrigalists.

Notes

The first 36 volumes of The English Madrigal School series, edited by Fellowes, were issued between I9I 3 and I924. Volumes 37 to 39 were published between 1976 and 1988 under the title The English Madrigalists.