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.
SOUNDTRACK JUST RELEASED click here.
This video shows the viol consort Fretwork recording the accompaniment to Alma Redemptoris.
O Dolce Nocte (after a madrigal by Philippe Verdelot, words by Niccolo Machiavelli)O dolce nocte, o sanct’
Hore nocturn’ et qete…
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.
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
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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?
Dear Humayun
Well spotted!!
Absolutely right – do you want a copy?
best
Philip
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?
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.
@Nimmo
Thanks for your message – it’s my own site. we’re looking into releasing everything very shortly… will let you know soon!
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Mr Shephard the Henry VIII MOAT score is exquisite. It needs to be available to buy pronto.
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
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?
Thank you for such fantastic music, it will really great to have it released on CD.
I agree with the above comments. As soon as I heard the music I was hooked, fantastic. Hope it’s available ASAP!
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.
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
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?
Hopefully soon! We’re just trying to organise a CD and digital release. Many thanks
Philip
Loved the opening theme version of Adieu Madame also – please include this on the long awaited CD
PLEASE release this – it is simply wonderful music (although please include the music that accompanies the credits)…
Yes, the music si beautiful.
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Extraordinary. I’m hoping they’ll release a CD of all of the tracks.
I definitely wish to be on the mailing list. The soundtrack was superb – I particularly loved ‘Without Discord’ featuring Dot Allison.
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.
Absolutely wonderful news!
Please place me on the mailing list
Thank you
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.
I like ^_^
Hit right on my “historical music-spot”.
Well done Philip, and good luck!
yes please – I’d love to buy a copy.
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!
Great that the soundtrack is being released. A great soundtrack for a great documentary series. Hope it sells well
I just wanted to say that I tested the Henry – Mind of a Tyrant DVD and am still testing versions for foreign markets, there have really only ever been two instances in which the menu loop on the DVD has not annoyed people while testing and those two titles were Henry – Mind of a Tyrant and In the Shadow of the Moon. So I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful and enduring music, I can’t wait to put the Henry CD next to my Shadow of the Moon soundtrack.
looking foward to the soundtrack release
Stunningly beautiful music. I would be very happy to have a copy of the soundtrack.
when is the soundtrack coming out?
Philip Sheppard and Henry VIII, what a team! I absolutely love the series and the soundtrack.
“Taunder Naken” especially is so elegantly wistful and dreamy.
Is the soundtrack available on CD already?
Another great David Starkey series on Henry VIII and fabulous music to go with it!
So ugly and dissonant not in a creative or enhancing way. trully english!
Thanks for your ‘trully’ worthwhile trolling. I hope you have a lovely day too (in Toulouse).
Sorry that should read I would love to purchase a copy of the soundtrack…. but I am only willing, etc.