A musical biography of King Richard III

The University of Leicester has released a musical biography of King Richard III which you can listen to here, and discover the Renaissance music of Europe's royal courts.

The live recording, performed by Triton E, showcases the music of the Renaissance age, with which Richard III's life and reign (1452-1485) coincided. TritonE is a recorder trio which specialises in the performance of historical music. The group's members are active researchers, frequently working with orginal manuscripts and facisimiles, and their musical interpretations are based in historical theoretical and practical writings about music.

Musicians from the continent travelled widely throughout Europe during the fifteenth century, seeking royal or noble patronage, and bringing with them the musical influences of the countries from which they came.

Scottish links with the European mainland

The Scottish royal court at this time had strong links with mainland Europe, which were maintained entirely independently from the royal household of England's monarchy. King James II, ruler of Scotland between 1437 and 1460, was an enthusiastic supporter of European innovations and had contacts with European royal families through his wife Mary of Guelders, a member of one of the continent's noblest families.

James II's son, King James III, known as the 'Renaissance king' married Margaret of Denmark and during the reign of his heir King James IV, Scotland became a centre of music, song and fine food and drink, with cosmopolitan courts at Stirling, Edinburgh and Falkland Palace. Writers, artists and musicians were invited from overseas to entertain the king and his courtiers

Click on the blue play button below to listen to the special concert.

To find out more about the project, visit the University of Leicester Sound Cloud website.

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Image credit: The Dean and Chapter of Leicester