A Man of Many Parts
Donald Macleod shines a light on the intricate tangle of relationships, duties and ideas that surrounded Byrd.
Donald Macleod shines a light on the intricate tangle of relationships, duties and ideas that surrounded Byrd.
This week, Donald Macleod explores the life of William Byrd, the greatest British musician of his age. Donald is joined all week by Byrd expert Kerry McCarthy to explore Byrd’s story and reveal a composer of determined ambition and powerful convictions. Those who encountered him, found Byrd could be a difficult adversary as well as a loyal friend. Donald also visits Essex to discover what remains of Byrd’s legacy in the places where he felt most at home, and to see how the composer navigated a hazardous path between his catholic faith and his duty to the crown at a time of great religious intolerance.
Today, we’re introduced to some of Byrd’s varied roles and identities, as a public servant and a private individual. Plus, Donald investigates how this sometimes isolated composer connected with the community in which he lived.
O Lux Beata Trinitas
Alamire, directed by David Skinner
The Bells
Sophie Yates, virginals
Praise the Lord all Ye Gentiles
The Cambridge Singers, directed by John Rutter
Have Mercy on me O God
Fantasia No 2
Red Byrd
Rose Consort of Viols
Laudibus in Sanctis
Oxford Camerata, directed by Jeremy Summerly
John come kiss me now
Aapo Häkkinen, harpsichord
O You that hear this voice
In fields abroad
Grace Davidson, soprano
Fretwork, directed by David Skinner
Galliard a6
Fretwork
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Music Played
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William Byrd
O lux, beata Trinitas
Choir: Alamire. Director: David Skinner.- OBSIDIAN : CD-706.
- OBSIDIAN.
- 12.
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William Byrd
The Bells
Performer: Sophie Yates.- CHANDOS : CHAN-0574.
- CHANDOS.
- 15.
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William Byrd
Praise Our Lord, All Ye Gentiles
Performer: The Cambridge Singers. Conductor: John Rutter.- COLLEGIUM RECORD : COL CD-110.
- COLLEGIUM RECORD.
- 3.
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William Byrd
Have Mercy upon me, O God
Ensemble: Red Byrd. Ensemble: Rose Consort of Viols.- NAXOS : 8.-550604.
- NAXOS.
- 7.
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William Byrd
Fantasia No 2
Ensemble: Rose Consort of Viols.- NAXOS : 8.550604.
- NAXOS.
- 6.
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William Byrd
Laudibus in Sanctis
Choir: Oxford Camerata. Conductor: Jeremy Summerly.- NAXOS : 8.-550843.
- NAXOS.
- 10.
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William Byrd
John come kiss me now
Performer: Aapo Häkkinen.- ALBA : ABCD-405.
- ALBA.
- 6.
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William Byrd
O You that hear this voice
Singer: Grace Davidson. Ensemble: Fretwork. Director: David Skinner.- INVENTA : INV1006.
- INVENTA.
- 6.
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William Byrd
In fields abroad
Singer: Grace Davidson. Ensemble: Fretwork. Director: David Skinner.- INVENTA : INV1006.
- INVENTA.
- 12.
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William Byrd
Galliard a6
Ensemble: Fretwork.- HARMONIA MUNDI : HMU 907383.
- HARMONIA MUNDI.
- 7.
Broadcasts
- Mon 3 Jul 2023 12:00Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 3
- Mon 26 Aug 2024 16:00Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 3
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