Henry: Portraits from Tudor Times

I. Fanfare
Heralds sound the fanfare at the opening of the court of King Henry VIII: a stately procession reveals lavish pageantry and splendour

II. Lutes Chorus
A great feast in the Long Hall is followed by dancing and games at which the Master of the Revels presides; members of the "King's
Musick" accompany, and Richmond Palace glows long into the night lighting the royal barges upon the river

III. Misty Battlements
Dawn breaks on Gloucester Castle. A Knight looks out over his misty battlements
There is talk of war with France; suddenly the almost uneasy days of peace have ended and the air is filled with excitement
Once again he will ride with his King, for the honour of England, and strive to do valiant deeds
Once again he will trust his fate to the Almighty and leave behind him a proud and gracious lady, anxious both for his speedy return and glory in the field
And yet he is sad. As the scarves of mist unfurl on the bare courtyard below he raises his hands to his eyes, and scans the horizon
Beyond the necks of the trees, far away over the plains, over that broad stretch of blue to France and all that awaits...

IV. Henry Goes to War: France
Preparation for War: The Fleet assembles. Across the fields and meadows of Brittany
The greasing of catapults and the sharpening of arrows - the Siege of Tournai
Nightfall upon the English camp: Sir Guy dreams of Gloucester
The Battle of the Spurs: Dawn carnage. The crash of mace upon armour and steel upon scabbard
The English are victorious but many lie seeing only a wide open sky...

V. Death of a Knight on the Field of France
The lady rises from her spinning-wheel and approaches the window gazing forth from her Tower she views the pleasant verdant landscape
Beneath her, the courtyard and paddocks are deserted; beyond the gentle-sloping water and hillocks are dimming in the crepuscular light
All is still save the occasional cries of curlews fleeing the approaching night. She waits
No heavy voices or tramp of hooves echo from below
Somewhere, far beyond her sight, men, deep in song and crowned in triumph, are swarming back along dusky tracks to their shires
A door creaks, but all remains silent, unmoving. No-one comes with a sigh she draws the heavy folds across the awning, shutting out the night

VI. Triumphant Return from War
Heralds' Fanfare greets the returning, victorious army; the streets are lined with folk shouting "Cry God For Hal," eager for a glimpse of their bold and heroic prince
Finally, all join in Prayer and Thanksgiving in the Chapel Royal