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To Preserve the Health of Man

Five imagined encounters in the life of the English Renaissance composer William Byrd, as he writes his major work, the Gradualia. With David Suchet and written by DJ Britton.

David Suchet stars as the English Renaissance composer William Byrd, 'The Father of English Music'. In five imagined encounters, Byrd looks back at key influences in his life and work, as he composes his major liturgical work, the Gradualia, a collection of 109 pieces written for each of the feasts and events in the Church calendar.

Written by DJ Britton

William Byrd ..... David Suchet
Juliana Byrd ..... Sara Kestelman
Queen Elizabeth ..... Juliet Aubrey
Thomas Tallis ..... Philip Jackson
Edmund Campion ..... Gunnar Cauthery

Music performed by Odyssean Ensemble and recorded at the Chapel Royal, Tower of London
Music Director, Colm Carey

Sound, Nigel Lewis and Catherine Robinson

Directed by Alison Hindell

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Cymru Wales production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3

The title is from a quote by William Byrd: 'The exercise of singing is delightful to nature, and good to preserve the health of man.'

1 hour, 24 minutes

Last on

Sun 9 Jan 2022 19:30

Broadcast

  • Sun 9 Jan 2022 19:30