Six Wives of Henry VIII

Amazon.com
What is the exact connection with Henry VIII and his wives? Hard to say. Why does the track dedicated to Anne of Cleves resemble the Hollies' "Bus Stop?" Who knows. It sounds to me like Italian horror film soundtrack music. Here is Wakeman's solo debut in 1972 in all its glory: state-of-the-art keyboard technology running free in the dandelion-strewn meadow of the classical-rock pastiche. Did Wakeman directly or indirectly influence Spinal Tap's Viv Savage--listen and decide. Next stops: Journey to the Center of the Earth and The Myths and Legends of King Arthur. --David Wolf

Six Wives of Henry VIII,Rick Wakeman,A&M,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop

Six Wives of Henry VIII

Average customer rating:

Another Rick Wakeman Triumph
amazing
Rick's finest solo album
A great album
Thank you, Rick Wakeman

The Six Wives of Henry VIII
Rick Wakeman
Manufacturer: Fontana a&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Myths & Legends Of King Arthur & The Knights Of The Round Table
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ASIN: B000002GBJ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Catherine Of Aragon
Anne Of Cleves
Catherine Howard
Jane Seymour
Anne Boleyn 'The Day Thou Gavest Lord Hath Ended'
Catherine Parr

Amazon.com

What is the exact connection with Henry VIII and his wives? Hard to say. Why does the track dedicated to Anne of Cleves resemble the Hollies' "Bus Stop?" Who knows. It sounds to me like Italian horror film soundtrack music. Here is Wakeman's solo debut in 1972 in all its glory: state-of-the-art keyboard technology running free in the dandelion-strewn meadow of the classical-rock pastiche. Did Wakeman directly or indirectly influence Spinal Tap's Viv Savage--listen and decide. Next stops: Journey to the Center of the Earth and The Myths and Legends of King Arthur. --David Wolf

Customer Reviews:

Another Rick Wakeman Triumph.......2007-07-15

After having been thoroughly impressed with Rick Wakeman's Journey to the Centre of the Earth, I picked up "The Six Wives of Henry VIII," based mostly on the positive reviews here at Amazon. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed. This is Rick's debut album as a solo artist and, in my opinion, it stands shoulder to shoulder with his work from Yes. Each of the six tracks (all of which are instrumental) have their own unique sound. Mr. Wakeman is a master keyboard player, and this album makes that quite apparent. If you enjoy progressive rock, you should own this album.

amazing.......2006-11-03

Heard this many years back , when I had it on spool tape. Getting the cd was fantastic. Rick Wakeman is magical

Rick's finest solo album.......2006-09-16

This 1973 debut was the album that my friends and I got excited about in high school. In fact, with perhaps the single exception of Criminal Record (1977), The Six Wives of Henry VIII stands as Rick's finest solo album. Apparently, the album reflected his attempt to match up the personalities of the six wives of King Henry the VIII with music. I do recall reading the descriptions of each wife while listening to the music and occasionally finding little to no relationship - then again, I really did not care too much (it's the thought that counts). When coupled with his work with Yes, this album stands as a testament to his superior skills as a keyboardist and influenced virtually scores of other keyboardists, most notably Rick van der Linden of the Dutch band Trace.

Rick plays no fewer than eight keyboard instruments on this album including a Steinway piano; Hammond C3 organ; pipe organ; RMI electric piano and harpsichord; mini moog synthesizer; A.R.P. synthesizer; and mellotron model 400-D. He is joined on this album by members of Yes (Alan White - drums; Bill Bruford; drums; Chris Squire - bass; and Steve Howe - guitar). Unfortunately these guys only play on a few tracks including the opening piece, although Bill only plays on Ann Boleyn. As you can imagine the opening track is my personal favorite and features Squire, White, and Howe. The remaining musicians include Strawbs members Chas. Cronk (bass) and Dave Cousins (electric banjo) along with several other bassists, drummers, percussionists, guitarists, and vocalists (a choir including female vocalists with more of a blues/gospel/soul style). If that last bit caused some panic don't worry - this album is 98% instrumental and the vocal parts work pretty well with the material. Speaking of which, the playing is excellent and there are some pretty exhilarating moments where Rick rips away on a majestic-sounding pipe organ (Jane Seymour).

The music is generally very good and for the most part, this is a great album that features some very classically influenced playing and supremely haunting and brooding melodies (especially on Catherine Howard). Rick's playing really shines on all of the tracks, although the album is not merely a vehicle for his remarkable skills. He works in a range of dynamics, moods, tempi, and playing styles, which makes for a very interesting and enjoyable listening experience. Furthermore, he does a great job integrating the properties of each keyboard into the pieces to accentuate certain moods, e.g. mellotron = sadness etc.

Overall this is Rick's finest solo album and is highly recommended to all proggers along with Criminal Record (1977) and all of Rick's work with Yes (yes, Tormato too!). For those of you that are interested, the band Trace seems to have based their entire approach to prog on The Six Wives... In fact, the albums Trace (1974) and Birds (1975) might prove enjoyable. By the way, Rick van der Linden (of Trace) is an incredible player and has the same style as Wakeman.

A great album.......2006-03-02

A cd filled with all instrumentals often times can get boring to me, but not this one. I was very pleasantly surprised. Mr. Wakeman has enough creative and composition skills to put together an album that not only is thematically cohesive, but does not wear on the ear. There's real music here, not just notes strung together. Well done Mr. Wakeman, and I highly recommend this cd to anyone.

Thank you, Rick Wakeman.......2006-02-05

From the very first time I heard "Catherine Howard" more than 30 years ago, I've always been able to picture her sad story as I listen to the various segments of what continues to be one of my favorite songs of all time.

As the track begins, Catherine meets and marries her king, followed by passion and wedded bliss (0:20) as Catherine assumes the duties and perks of the Queen of England. Later, the youthful queen dances through the castle with her entourage as she leads them to a large wooden door, behind which King Henry is meeting with his advisors. Catherine bursts in playfully, interrupting her husband's business, for which he scolds her (1:20) and sends her away.

Catherine withdraws to her chambers (1:40), embarrassed by her public humiliation. A male member of the court, witnessing Catherine's dejection, secretly enters her room (1:50) and comforts his queen. Soon the two embrace in the throes of passion (2:04).

Suddenly, the chamber door opens and the king enters, discovering the infidelity (2:31). A great argument ensues, with the cuckolded king verbally lashing out at his wife. Catherine tries to defend herself against Henry's onslaught (2:58), but to no avail. The argument between husband and wife, which seems to go on forever, morphs into the subsequent trial of the queen, accused of both adultery and treason (3:55). Catherine's eyes dart around the courtroom, looking in vain for her lover... or anyone supportive of her... but only the grim, accusing faces of those loyal the king meet her gaze (4:10).

The next scene finds Catherine in a dark, dank cell in the Tower of London (4:24), where she quietly awaits her fate. Not surprisingly, the verdict is guilty (4:43), and Catherine collapses, crying.

The final scene is of the doomed queen, slowly ascending the steps of the wooden platform which has been constructed for her beheading (5:07). Catherine kneels before the executioner, forgives him for what he is about to do (5:25), and turns her eyes upward as she pleads to God for her own forgiveness. As she prays, the camera follows the executioner's upraised arms, focusing momentarily on the axe's blade before continuing its way skyward (5:48). A momentary glint fills the screen (6:11) as we imagine the falling of the axe, followed by a white dove that passes through the frame on its way to heaven.

Average customer rating:

Desert Island Early Music Disc
I'm thrilled to find this is now available on CD!
Awesome!
It's on the mark.

Henry VIII & His Six Wives

Manufacturer: Testament UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00016ZKRQ
Release Date: 2004-04-13

Customer Reviews:

Desert Island Early Music Disc.......2006-03-19

I actually heard this on Ohio State's Radio Station, WOSU, way
back in the summer of 1971, I'd just picked up my dog from the vet's, there was a thundershower going on, and this fantastic
album came on the air. I was immediately entranced with it, and
immediately bought the LP. It was out of print for many years,
and so last summer when I was in Seattle for Cycle One of the Ring, I was overjoyed to see a copy of this at Tower Records;and
instantly purchased it.

This is quite possibly one of the best Early Music discs ever
made, bar none. In fact, I believe it set off the Early Music
Revolution-without it, there might be a much smaller interest in
Early Music due to living history enthusiasts, such as the SCA
(Society for Creative Anachronism), Renfaire devotees, and others.

This is the germinal album that started it all: it was the first time that a historical movie had been accurately scored
with the music and instruments of the timeperiod-and David Mun-
row's Early Music Consort's lively interpretations galvanized
a belated enthusiasm for Early Music that continues to evolve
to this very day.

In short, BUY THIS ALBUM-it is a classic. And wonderful to listen to. An added frisson is the Song by King Henry VIII him-
self, "Pastime With Good Company," in his younger days he was
quite the all-round renaissance man, jouster, writer, composer,
athlete, and his music is pretty good, too.

As a companion album to this, I would highly recommend one of the other David Munrow albums to start with, Two Renaissance
Dance Bands, which is LP format was known as Music of the Court:
Music for King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I." This contrasts the
dance music heard at both courts, and the times, also a desert
island early music disc.

In short, BUY THIS DISC!!!!!!!!!!!It kicks musical Uknowwhat!!!

It completely shatters the old, long-held belief that Early Music was dull, dull, dull. Far from it. It was every bit as
lively as anything from the 18th, 19th centuries, and our own.

I'm thrilled to find this is now available on CD!.......2006-01-02

I first received this album as a gift way back in the early 70's, when I was an eleven year old Henry VIII fan. It is often thought to be the score for the BBC six-part series The Six Wives Of Henry VIII, but was actually the score for a spin-off movie by the same name, also starring Keith Michell as King Hal. The six-part series actually did not have much music in it (low budget).

This album has excellent examples of early music, performed on period instruments. It features one song written by Henry VIII, as well as many authentic period pieces. There are a couple of "cheats" - a setting of a poem purportedly written by Anne Boleyn in the Tower before her execution, and a Robin and Marian ballad which was written specifically for the movie, but the rest is authentic and authentically performed. The weakest part of the album is a poor choice in counter tenor, who performs Pastime In Good Company and the song made from the Anne Boleyn poem - he has problems with pitch and diction. Otherwise, the album is purely thumbs up.

Awesome!.......2005-12-30

This CD is actually a re-release of an old album not from the TV series but actually from a spin-off movie. The TV series is titled, "The Six Wives of Henry VIII". The movie was called "Henry VIII & His Six Wives" (which, unfortunately, was never released on video or DVD here in the states, but may be one day). Regardless, this music from the film is a wonderful example of Tudor and Elizabethan music played on authentic instruments by on of the greatest early music scholars and musicians, the late David Munrow. This is an excellent CD for fans of early music and anyone who wants to experience the true sounds of the period.

It's on the mark........2004-12-16

I saw the mini series on PBS and I now own the videos. I believe it is on a box set of DVD's too. The music on this CD is the soundtrack to the series. If you loved Elizabeth R with Glenda Jackson playing Queen Elizabeth back in the 1970's you will definitely love this series. The music and the acting are so incredibly good.

Average customer rating:

Another Rick Wakeman Triumph
amazing
Rick's finest solo album
A great album
Thank you, Rick Wakeman

The Six Wives of Henry VIII
Rick Wakeman
Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000026NVE
Release Date: 1999-04-27

Tracks:

Catherine Of Aragon
Anne Of Cleves
Catherine Howard
Jane Seymour
Anne Boleyn 'The Day Thou Gavest Lord Hath Ended'
Catherine Parr

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Another Rick Wakeman Triumph.......2007-07-15

amazing.......2006-11-03

Heard this many years back , when I had it on spool tape. Getting the cd was fantastic. Rick Wakeman is magical

Rick's finest solo album.......2006-09-16

A great album.......2006-03-02

Thank you, Rick Wakeman.......2006-02-05

Madame d'Amours: Songs, Dances & Consort Music for the Six Wives of Henry VIII

Average customer rating:

2* Scholarship; 4* Performances

Madame d'Amours: Songs, Dances & Consort Music for the Six Wives of Henry VIII

Manufacturer: Signum UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland)

ASIN: B00079RNIQ
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Customer Reviews:

2* Scholarship; 4* Performances.......2005-08-12

This CD is segmented into 6 parts, one for each wife averaging 5 tracks each (for full track listing, go to Signum Records Homepage). The conception is original and interesting; but the oft-bizarre allocation of material warns of the impracticality of such an approach (perhaps largely because music directly connected to the Queens often doesn't survive, e.g. the 'newe balads' sung by the 'qwyre' at Anne Boleyn's coronation, 1533 [Withington, 'English Pagaentry', i, 184]).

Firstly, the tracks from 'Henry VIII's MS' (c.1510-20) can justifiably be connected only to Catherine of Aragon (r.1509-33). E.g. Cornyshe's 'Blow thi horne' [6] - here under Anne Boleyn (r.1533-6) - finds a more likely context in a disguising like that celebrating the 'New Year's Boy' (1511) where 'the pageant rested before the Quene [Catherine], the forenamed forsters blew their hornes, then the deuise or pageant opened...' (Edward Halle). Similarly Henry VIII's "compositions" (erroneously credited here as anon, contradicting HVIII's MS), 'Gentil Prince' and 'En vray amour' (11 + 12) - in the Jane Seymour (r.1536-7) section - are better seen alongside Foreign Ambassadors' reports praising the King's musicianship early in his reign (e.g. Giustinian, 1515 etc). Certainly, Henry's 'Adew Madame' (24) - again wrongly credited as anon - is an unlikely choice for Katherine Howard to have sung with Henry Mannox, her music teacher because (a) neither were in inner court circles then (1536), (b) it is over 20 years old and (c) it is in French (her only known correspondance is in English). [Thorby also grossly exaggerates the importance of Mannox in her downfall, which was mostly a result of the affairs with Dereham and Culpeper].

Other selections are equally suspect: a ricercar (15) by Capirola (pub. Venice 1517) for Jane Seymour (1536-7) linking to the 'Duke of Somersett's dompe' (16) which, though based on Capirola's 'Padoana belissima' (1517), is a transcription from BL Royal MSS App. 58 (not earlier than 1540); the anon (NOT as here Henry VIII!) 'Time to pas' (20) - in the Katherine Howard (r.1540-2) section - is from a court play 'The Four Elements', c.1517.
But easily the most unsuccessful allocations are the 3 pieces for Anna of Cleves (r.1540): Barbireau's (d.1491) popular 'Een vroulyk' (HVIII's MS, c.1510-20, but already waning by the time of it's inclusion here), the anon 'Danse de Cleves' (B-Br9085, c.1499-1501 - belonging to Margaret of Austria, tenuously connected to Anna) and 'Ainxi bon Youre' (Trent MS, c.1480 - no valid connection). Thorby's attempted justification - of Anna's 'provincial tastes' - is ill founded; (a) she was unmusical and (b) she is anyway depicted enjoying dancing with Queen Katherine (Howard), 1541 (LP, XV, p.493) - surely not to music 40-60 years old?

The performances themselves are mostly solid, and some of the interpretations are attractive, e.g. 'Adew le companye' (5). Heringman's lute playing is noteworthy throughout.
Yet other performances are rough, e.g. 'Blow thi horne' (6) which has decidedly unrefined intonation, though the spinet on this recording is worse still (e.g. 7). Also, the ornaments in 11-13 are unconvincing and unnecessary. The programme especially suffers from lack of lower voices (in the play, 20 ('Time to pas') was clearly a cappella, and the devotional works (4, 8, 22, 27) would have benefitted from more singers [here, they are 1 mezzo + viols]). The small forces here also ignore the clearly extravagant multi-instrument ensembles of the 'Revels Accounts' and other e.g.s like the 1515 Maying.

In short, this CD is academically iffy, but does present some of the music (sadly) in the best available performances at the moment. Two better recordings of Henrician court music are by Circa 1500 ('The Flower of All Ships') and Capilla Flamenca / The Flanders Recorder Quartet ('Bassano').

Average customer rating:

Six Wives of Henry VIII

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000B6JQ0I

Product Description

Spanish, French, Italian and English music - including many pieces by Henry VIII himself - in a programme designed to reflect the tastes and characters of Henry's wives.

Average customer rating:

The Six Wives of Henry VIII
Rick Wakeman
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

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Journey to the Centre of the Earth
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ASIN: B00008PT32
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

Catherine of Aragon
Anne of Cleves
Catherine Howard
Jane Seymour
Anne Boleyn/The Day Thou Gavest Lord Hath Ended
Catherine Parr

Album Description

Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve. Universal. 2006.

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition Digitally Remastered Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

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