Folio Archives 210: Music for King Henry LIMITED EDITION 2009
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Music for King Henry (The Royal Choirbook) LIMITED EDITION 2009
This Folio Society limited edition may be unique in that its name was changed several years after production in an attempt to improve sales. Initially “Music for King Henry”, it was renamed “The Royal Choirbook” in advertising material, but not in the publication itself.
Commissioned for Henry VIII by an Italian merchant who was seeking favour at the English court, this magnificent collection of motets was presented to the king in 1516. It is illuminated with heraldic images and was treasured by Henry as it contained his favourite music. The original is housed in the British Library.
The limited edition comprises a facsimile of the royal choirbook, a comprehensive commentary volume and a CD that has recorded a rendition of the music in the choirbook by Almire.
The facsimile volume is huge, measuring 50.6x35.6cm. and contains a full facsimile of the original manuscript in its 36 pages that is printed on thick mock-vellum paper. It is quarter bound in buckram with off-white vegetable parchment sides blocked with images in gold, red and dark blue foils. All page edges are gilded and the endpapers are plain dark red. It is housed in a dark red slipcase (51.9x36.3cm.) that has the crest of henry VIII gilt blocked on the front.
The commentary volume by Nicolas Bell is a beautiful 126 page richly illustrated book that is three-quarter bound in dark red buckram with a colour picture front cover. It is also housed in a dark red slipcase (31.2x22.2cm) of the same design as the facsimile slipcase. As well as a comprehensive commentary on the facsimile and its presentation, it contains a performing edition by David Skinner which has converted the archaic score into modern notation that any mildly competent pianist could easily play.
The CD is housed in a standard cardboard folder and contains a 20 page leaflet about the music that is inserted into a slot on the inside cover of the folder.
The only negative about the set is that the three elements are not housed together, are of vastly different sizes, could be easily separated from each other and their connection lost.
This edition was limited to 500 copies and was originally sold for £445.
FACSIMILE VOLUME
MUSIC CD
CD leaflet
COMMENTARY VOLUME
.
.
An index of the other illustrated reviews in the "Folio Archives" series can be viewed here.
This Folio Society limited edition may be unique in that its name was changed several years after production in an attempt to improve sales. Initially “Music for King Henry”, it was renamed “The Royal Choirbook” in advertising material, but not in the publication itself.
Commissioned for Henry VIII by an Italian merchant who was seeking favour at the English court, this magnificent collection of motets was presented to the king in 1516. It is illuminated with heraldic images and was treasured by Henry as it contained his favourite music. The original is housed in the British Library.
The limited edition comprises a facsimile of the royal choirbook, a comprehensive commentary volume and a CD that has recorded a rendition of the music in the choirbook by Almire.
The facsimile volume is huge, measuring 50.6x35.6cm. and contains a full facsimile of the original manuscript in its 36 pages that is printed on thick mock-vellum paper. It is quarter bound in buckram with off-white vegetable parchment sides blocked with images in gold, red and dark blue foils. All page edges are gilded and the endpapers are plain dark red. It is housed in a dark red slipcase (51.9x36.3cm.) that has the crest of henry VIII gilt blocked on the front.
The commentary volume by Nicolas Bell is a beautiful 126 page richly illustrated book that is three-quarter bound in dark red buckram with a colour picture front cover. It is also housed in a dark red slipcase (31.2x22.2cm) of the same design as the facsimile slipcase. As well as a comprehensive commentary on the facsimile and its presentation, it contains a performing edition by David Skinner which has converted the archaic score into modern notation that any mildly competent pianist could easily play.
The CD is housed in a standard cardboard folder and contains a 20 page leaflet about the music that is inserted into a slot on the inside cover of the folder.
The only negative about the set is that the three elements are not housed together, are of vastly different sizes, could be easily separated from each other and their connection lost.
This edition was limited to 500 copies and was originally sold for £445.
FACSIMILE VOLUME
MUSIC CD
CD leaflet
COMMENTARY VOLUME
.
.
An index of the other illustrated reviews in the "Folio Archives" series can be viewed here.
