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John Blanke's England

Lucie Skeaping uncovers the life of John Blanke, King Henry VIII's black trumpet player, in conversation with expert on diversity in Tudor England, Dr Onyeka Nubia.

John Blanke was a trumpet player of African descent employed by the English Kings Henry VII and Henry VIII in the early 1500s. He's the only black person of the Tudor period for whom we have both a name and a picture – in the Westminster Tournament Roll of 1511, currently on display at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool – but he was by no means the only person of African heritage living in England at that time. Lucie Skeaping uncovers the life and world of John Blanke and the music he would have known, in conversation with expert on diversity in Tudor England, Dr Onyeka Nubia.

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34 minutes

Last on

Sun 22 May 2022 14:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3

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Music Played

  • King Henry VIII of England

    It is for me a right great joy (from Suite: Rose without a Thorn)

    Ensemble: Philip Jones Brass Ensemble.
    • Music From The Royal Court.
    • Decca Music Group Ltd..
    • 27.

  • Anonymous

    The Base of Spayne

    • Something Old....
    • London Independent Records.
    • 1.

  • William Cornysh

    Hoyda Hoyda, Jolly Rutterkin

    Choir: The Hilliard Ensemble.
    • ALTO.

  • William Cornysh

    A Robyn, gentyl Robyn

    Ensemble: I Fagiolini.
    • GRIFFIN.

  • William Cornysh

    Whilles lyve or breth is in my brest

    Singer: Jennie Cassidy. Ensemble: Frottola.
    • MERIDIAN.

  • Anonymous

    Adew le companye

    Singer: Jennie Cassidy. Ensemble: Musica Antiqua of London. Conductor: Philip Thorby.
    • Madame D'Amours - Music for the 6 Wives of Henry Viii.
    • Signum Classics.
    • 501.

  • Robert Fayrfax

    Sumwhat musing

    Choir: Alamire. Conductor: David Skinner.
    • GIFT OF MUSIC.

  • King Henry VIII of England

    Pastyme with good companye

    Ensemble: Sirinu.
    • All Goodly Sports - The Complete Music of Henry VIII.
    • Chandos.
    • 12.

  • William Cornysh

    Blow thi horne, hunter

    Conductor: Philip Thorby. Ensemble: Musica Antiqua of London.
    • Madame D'Amours - Music for the 6 Wives of Henry Viii.
    • Signum Classics.
    • 601.

  • Robert Cowper

    Farewell my joy

    Choir: Alamire. Conductor: David Skinner.
    • GIFT OF MUSIC.

  • King Henry VIII of England

    Tandernaken

    Ensemble: QuintEssential Sackbut and Cornett Ensemble.
    • Henry's Music - Motets from a Royal Choirbook - Songs by Henry VIII.
    • Obsidian.
    • 6.

  • Robert Carver

    Benedictus (Missa Dum sacrum mysterium)

    Choir: The Sixteen. Conductor: Harry Christophers.
    • CORO.

  • Hugh Aston

    Hornpype

    Music Arranger: Elgar Howarth. Ensemble: Philip Jones Brass Ensemble.
    • Music From The Royal Court.
    • Decca Music Group Ltd..
    • 6.

Broadcast

  • Sun 22 May 2022 14:00
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3

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