Thirty pieces, with charming favourites alongside many lesser-known ones, some of them bawdy. Here are catches by Purcell, glees by Arne and later 18th and early 19th century composers (including the original glee version of 'The Star-spangled Banner'), and Victorian partsongs concluding with pieces by Stainer and Sullivan. Although some were originally conceived for performance by male voices, the editor has arranged where possible for mixed voice performance, but always leaving the original readily discernible. This is a practical performing edition of the music, with an introductory essay about the English partsong and full editorial notes.
Paul Hillier is a widely experienced singer and conductor. He has made gramophone records of many of the works in this anthology with his own vocal group, The Hilliard Ensemble. His solo repertoire ranges from troubadour songs to works by Stockhausen and Cage, and he has given numerous workshops, lectures and solo concerts throughout Europe and North America.