The new David Starkey Channel 4 series, Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant features a score by Philip Sheppard. The complete soundtrack for the series draws upon melodies and lyrics written by Henry himself, as well as works by his contemporaries. It can be heard on these pages as free stream. Click the play buttons to hear the tracks.
17/7/09 BREAKING NEWS! Soundtrack to be released shortly on the new radiomovies label. Post a comment if you want to be on the mailing list for the release.
JUST ADDED Spanish Court for multitracked treble viols
This video shows the viol consort Fretwork recording the accompaniment to Alma Redemptoris. Here’s the finished track:
Alma Redemptoris
Adieu Madame (melody and lyrics by Henry VIII)Adieu madam et ma mastres.
Adieu mon solas et mon Joy.
Adieu iusque vous reuoye,
Adieu vous diz per graunt tristesse.
Adew, madam, and my mystresse,
Adew, my sollace and my ioye!
Adew untyll agayne I see yow,
Adew I saye ouercom by sadnesse.
O Dolce Nocte (after a madrigal by Philippe Verdelot, words by Niccolo Machiavelli)O dolce nocte, o sanct’
Hore nocturn’ et qete…
O My Heart (melody and lyrics by Henry VIII)Oh my heart, and oh my heart,
My hart it is so sore.
Since I must from my love depart,
And know no cause wherefore.
Ultimi mei Sospiri (after a madrigal by Philippe Verdelot)Ultimi mei sospiri,
Che mi lassate fredd’ et senca vita…
Without Discord featuring Dot Allison (melody and lyrics by Henry VIII)Without discord
And both accord,
Now let us be.
Both harts alone
To set in one,
Best seems me.
Henry Uncrowned
Taunder Naken (the schism) (after a instrumental work by Henry)
Taunder Naken (alternate version) (after a instrumental work by Henry)
Alchemy
Alamire directed by Dr David Skinner
Charles Mutter
Performers: Fretwork, Alamire, Richard Campbell, Charles Mutter, Philip Sheppard, Dot Allison
Composer: Philip Sheppard
Music co-producer: Roberto Borzoni
Other Links:
“This exhibition draws on the British Library’s rich collections – including the books that Henry himself chose, read and annotated – which outline the revolutionary change in ideas that took place during the reign of Henry VIII and take us, as nothing else can, into the King’s own mind.”
Dr David Starkey
33 responses so far ↓
Henry Mind of a Tyrant Transmission « r a d i o m o v i e s // March 26, 2009 at 2:15 pm |
[...] The Soundtrack is here as a free stream at this site… [...]
Am I wrong? « r a d i o m o v i e s // March 30, 2009 at 10:49 am |
[...] Henry the VIII called Taunder Naken played by me on treble viols (with a lot of multitracking) from this forthcoming [...]
Free Henry VIII track « r a d i o m o v i e s // April 1, 2009 at 2:41 pm |
[...] it from here if you like. The whole series soundtrack is gradually going [...]
Easter free things! « r a d i o m o v i e s // April 11, 2009 at 6:39 am |
[...] can hear my soundtrack for the series here for [...]
radiomovies roundup « r a d i o m o v i e s // April 13, 2009 at 8:50 am |
[...] Henry Mind of a Tyrant continues its run on Channel 4 this evening at 9pm with the second episode – Warrior. Channel 4 have put a series of short films, images and even (oh no…) an interview with yours truly at this site. Don’t forget the soundtrack is a free listen on this site. [...]
Humayun Mirza // April 21, 2009 at 10:10 am |
The music that is played during the series makes the show come alive. I particularly like the introduction theme, which sounds like “Adieu Madame” but without the lyrics and a stronger melody and more than string intruments. Where can I buy this and other music by you?
radiomovies // April 24, 2009 at 10:43 am |
Dear Humayun
Well spotted!!
Absolutely right – do you want a copy?
best
Philip
Nimmi // April 21, 2009 at 2:16 pm |
Hello!
Not sure who I am writing this note to, as the website (sorry to say)is a bit confusing! I’ve been watching the mind of a tyrant (absolutely brilliant) and I am in love with the inspirational, spine tinglinging music you guys have made! Superb! Please, please say you’ll be releasing on CD?
Nathan // April 21, 2009 at 8:06 pm |
I heard a bit of ‘Without Discord’ on episode 3 of David Starkey’s series last night and it haunted me.
Sometimes it’s the soundtrack that can draw you into watching something you never thought you’d find interesting. Thank you.
radiomovies // April 24, 2009 at 10:41 am |
@Nimmo
Thanks for your message – it’s my own site. we’re looking into releasing everything very shortly… will let you know soon!
Henry VIII CD? « r a d i o m o v i e s // April 24, 2009 at 10:51 am |
[...] had a lot of emails asking about the possible CD release of the Henry Mind of a Tyrant score on CD (and other [...]
jonah // April 24, 2009 at 8:08 pm |
Mr Shephard the Henry VIII MOAT score is exquisite. It needs to be available to buy pronto.
Ian Armstrong // April 27, 2009 at 9:31 pm |
When will this become available to buy?
What a superb blend of classical themes, with a modern take.
Please please make this available to buy.
Ian Armstrong
Phil Harrison // April 28, 2009 at 1:49 pm |
Well done for the music. The Adieu Madame piece works wonderfully, I feel, both in the full version and that powerful warning with brass. Is that short version available?
Paul Stevens // April 28, 2009 at 2:37 pm |
Thank you for such fantastic music, it will really great to have it released on CD.
Jon Congdon // April 28, 2009 at 6:15 pm |
I agree with the above comments. As soon as I heard the music I was hooked, fantastic. Hope it’s available ASAP!
Joel Cheetham // April 29, 2009 at 11:14 am |
When watching the series the music really stands above. I came here and listened to it as a whole, bravo! The historical context adds more depth and a certain enigmatic quality.
Nimmi // April 29, 2009 at 3:48 pm |
OMG Mr Sheppard! I’m absolutely in love with Adieu Madame!! Who did Henry have in mind when he made the melody? Was it for Jayne Seymour? I liked to think it was for Anne but i doubt it! And like Mr Harrison, I also really love the opening theme version of it too, Magnificent! Thankyou. Please tell us soon when you will be releasing..getting a bit impatient
Margaret H // May 3, 2009 at 8:57 pm |
Really love the music in this series and would love to be able to buy it, particularly Without Discord featuring Dot Allison. Is it available anywhere?
radiomovies // May 8, 2009 at 3:33 pm |
Hopefully soon! We’re just trying to organise a CD and digital release. Many thanks
Philip
Maurice Campbell // May 5, 2009 at 8:55 pm |
Loved the opening theme version of Adieu Madame also – please include this on the long awaited CD
M.Parry // May 11, 2009 at 8:00 am |
PLEASE release this – it is simply wonderful music (although please include the music that accompanies the credits)…
Michal // May 29, 2009 at 2:53 pm |
Yes, the music si beautiful.
Music from “Henry VIII: Mind of a Tyrant” | Iconoplex // July 2, 2009 at 12:58 pm |
[...] you can listen to it for free online over at Philip Sheppard’s blog and I’m hoping they’ll release a CD of all of the tracks at some point – there is [...]
Marcela // July 4, 2009 at 2:18 pm |
Extraordinary. I’m hoping they’ll release a CD of all of the tracks.
Nasim // July 18, 2009 at 9:19 pm |
I definitely wish to be on the mailing list. The soundtrack was superb – I particularly loved ‘Without Discord’ featuring Dot Allison.
Caroline // July 22, 2009 at 11:55 pm |
Please place me on the mailing list- I found out about this soundtrack on Youtube and came to like Philip’s other work so much that I downloaded some of it from itunes.
Dave // July 25, 2009 at 5:16 pm |
Absolutely wonderful news!
Please place me on the mailing list
Thank you
mikduncan // July 27, 2009 at 9:15 am |
I keep playing without discord it’s so lovely. I keep imagining Henry singing it to Anne B after one of their many rows – although it was probably meant for another lady.
Can you add me to the mailing list please.
Kristina // July 27, 2009 at 9:35 am |
I like ^_^
Hit right on my “historical music-spot”.
Well done Philip, and good luck!
harry M // August 3, 2009 at 9:09 pm |
yes please – I’d love to buy a copy.
Hannah // August 10, 2009 at 4:19 pm |
Absolutely incredible compositions, you capture the spirit and drama of such turbulent times perfectly. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long ’til the cd is available for purchase! Please let me know when it is!
Steed // August 16, 2009 at 1:13 pm |
Great that the soundtrack is being released. A great soundtrack for a great documentary series. Hope it sells well