motet notes - Gribbons

Gibbons was hailed by his English contemporaries as “one of the rarest musicians and organists of his time.” Best known for his madrigal "The Silver Swan" and his anthems in English for the Anglican services, he also contributed sixteen hymn tunes printed in Wither’s “Hymnes and songs of the church.” Included is this simple homophonic setting of the "Drop, drop slow tears," invoking the tears of Mary Magdalene.

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