Imagine living in an era when a high level of education and scholarship were valued in a ruler. In the early 17th century, the English citizenry – not just the nobility – possessed a healthy appreciation for higher learning. Furthermore, the education of the masses must have been considerable for the plays of William Shakespeare and the like to be appreciated as popular entertainment. In such an environment, it is hardly surprising that music would be valued highly in all of its forms.

King James I of England was a scholar, a poet, and an author of literary works. His greatest gift to literature, however, must be the King James Bible, the work of no less than 47 prominent scholars. The Bible, completed in 1611, appeased the Church of England (with nary a reference to a pope) and unified the country through a standardized book of scripture. The finished work was not merely functional; it was a work of art. It is hardly surprising that its influence would color the output of the country’s greatest artists.

Today’s noontime concert on The Classical Network will be organized under the title, “King James and His Bible: A Musical Portrait.” The program, made up of royal and devotional music from the Tudor and Stuart courts, will be presented by the Parthenia Viols Consort. There will be works by William Byrd, John Dowland, Alfonso Ferrabosco II, Tobias Hume (a panegyric to tobacco!), John Jenkins, Thomas Tomkins, and John Ward, along with a new commission by Tawnie Olson.

The group will be joined by Dashon Burton, Bass-Baritone. Burton, in addition to his solo work in recital, opera and oratorio, is a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning contemporary vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth.

Following the concert broadcast, stick around for Burton’s new recording of Craig Hella Johnson’s oratorio “Considering Matthew Shepard,” made with the company of voices Conspirare, a moving artistic response to actions of hate and cruelty that cost a young man his life.

I hope you’ll join me for an afternoon of enlightenment and compassion, from 12 to 4 p.m., on WWFM – The Classical Network and at wwfm.org.

PHOTO: The dashing Dashon Burton