Orlando Gibbons

English composer and keyboard player Orlando Gibbons was born into a musical family and was baptised on 25 December 1583. We know little about his early years, but he studied at King's College Cambridge, was very well connected and by the time he was in his early to mid twenties, he had a high reputation as both composer and organist.

He's generally known these days for his Evensong settings, the madrigal The Silver Swan, the anthems O Clap Your Hands Together and This is the Record of John.

Orlando Gibbons died in Canterbury on 5 June 1625, aged forty-one, and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral.

 

A selection of articles about Orlando Gibbons

Ensemble. Inventive Programming - Mike Wheeler listens to music by Vaughan Williams, George Walker and Tchaikovsky

Ensemble. Judiciously Balanced - Mike Wheeler listens to a recital by Petr Limonov

CD Spotlight. An Integral Part of Christmas - Carols from the SWR Vokal Ensemble, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... beautifully shaped and vocally refined and the voices come across clear and resonant.'

Ensemble. Near-miraculous - Bach, Copland, Gibbons, Ramsey, Tomkins, Walton, Weelkes and Whitacre from Richard Roddis and the Derwent Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Home and Abroad - Piano music by Delius, Bax, Vaughan Williams and Bridge, heard by Howard Smith. 'Commanding resolute performances of music arisen from harrowing conflict.'

Ensemble. The Finest of Them All - The 2012 Hereford Three Choirs Festival, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Exciting Teamwork - Roderic Dunnett was in Worcester for the 2011 Three Choirs Festival

Ensemble. Real Inspiration - Verse anthems from FifteenB, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Record Box. Gentle Chromaticism - Music by Orlando Gibbons, reviewed by Patric Standford

CD Spotlight. Carefree brilliance - The keyboard music of Orlando Gibbons, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... technique and panache ...'