Elizabeth I, Fair Oriana, was one of the most remarkable monarchs in English history: she was well educated, strong, fearless and wise. Towards the end of her reign a musical anthology entitled The Triumphs of Oriana was assembled in order to flatter and divert her. Four superb works from this anthology - plus a fifth, Oriana's Farewell - provide a delightful sequence of madrigals in celebration of the Virgin Queen. This collection of masterpieces from England's Golden Age was published to celebrate the golden jubilee of her namesake, Elizabeth II. |
