Dear Lord of life: Vocal score (Church Music Society publications) - Tapa blanda

for SSAATB unaccompanied
Described by Peter James as one of Tomkins's 'most striking works', this setting of an anonymous devotional text appears in print for the first time. The style is distinctly madrigalian, with several sudden shifts of tonality, changes of texture, and decorative passages. The work will sit as easily in a concert programme as in a service.

Thomas Tomkins was born in St David's in Pembrokeshire, but spent much of his early life in Gloucester where his father was a minor canon. He studied under William Byrd who was probably instrumental in finding him a place as a chorister at the Chapel Royal. From 1596 to the end of his life he was Organist of Worcester Cathedral. His output includes anthems, madrigals, keyboard and consort music. The madrigals and much of the church music is highly expressive.