Communion music
This Sunday, we shall be listening to “O God, the King of Glory” by Orlando Gibbons (1583–1625), performed by York Minster Choir.
Gibbons was one of the most important English composers of the early 17th century, arguably second only to William Byrd. Unlike Byrd, his church music was exclusively written for the reformed Church of England. Noted for his work in many genres, he also came to be regarded as the foremost organist of his day, before dying suddenly aged 41. This piece is a setting of the Collect (prayer for the day) for the Sunday after Ascension in the Book of Common Prayer.