Gibbons – This is the record of John (1635)  

Orlando Gibbons, a prominent English composer of the Renaissance era, born in 1583, left an enduring legacy with his contributions to vocal and keyboard music. His work, “This is the record of John,” composed in 1635, stands as a testament to his mastery of expressive polyphony and the profound influence of the English Renaissance style. 

Gibbons’s approach to word painting, where musical phrases vividly mirror the meaning of the text, is evident in the expressive and emotive nature of the composition. The intricate counterpoint and expressive harmonic language characterize the piece, showcasing Gibbons’s ability to convey the text’s spiritual depth through the medium of choral music. 

Within the broader context of Gibbons’s choral output, “This is the record of John” exemplifies the seamless integration of English Renaissance style with expressive intensity. The work’s structural clarity and emotive power distinguish it within the repertoire of early 17th-century English choral music.  

Gibbons’s legacy endures not only through his keyboard compositions but also through masterpieces like this choral setting, where the intertwining voices beautifully capture the spiritual essence of the text.