A new studio recording of Peter Maxwell Davies's opera, based on events in the life of the 16th-century English composer. John Taverner is on trial for heresy but is pardoned because of his value to the cardinal as a musician. Henry VIII, meanwhile, decides to break with Rome in order to obtain a divorce, and Taverner finds himself as accuser rather than accused. In this improbable version of history, he abandons music and becomes a parody of his former self. Since its
Covent Garden premiere in 1972, the opera has not been performed in this country - a fact due largely to the forces required, including a viol consort, shawms, recorders, regal and organ in addition to a large modern symphony orchestra. Presented by Piers Burton-Page, with contributions from Peter Maxwell Davies.

London Voices, Fretwork, His Majesty's Sagbutts and Cornetts, New London Children's Choir, BBC Symphony Orchestra, assistant conductor Stefan Asbury, conductor Oliver Knussen