Album: Christopher Gibbons, Motets .../Academy of Ancient Music/Richard Egarr (Harmonia Mundi)

Gibbons grew up in the service of Charles I and survived to serve as Organist of the Chapel Royal under Charles II.

Newly recorded by Richard Egarr, his Verse Anthems are a bridge between those of his famous father, Orlando Gibbons, and his famous pupil, John Blow. AAM's vocal consort is distinctly hoary but the instrumental playing – of two Fantasy-suites for violins, bass viol and organ, and a flamboyant selection of Organ Voluntaries – is divine.