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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

59 minutes

Last on

Mon 26 Aug 2024 16:00

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Music Played

  • William Byrd

    O lux, beata Trinitas

    Choir: Alamire. Director: David Skinner.
    • OBSIDIAN : CD-706.
    • OBSIDIAN.
    • 12.
  • William Byrd

    The Bells

    Performer: Sophie Yates.
    • CHANDOS : CHAN-0574.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 15.
  • William Byrd

    Praise Our Lord, All Ye Gentiles

    Performer: The Cambridge Singers. Conductor: John Rutter.
    • COLLEGIUM RECORD : COL CD-110.
    • COLLEGIUM RECORD.
    • 3.
  • William Byrd

    Have Mercy upon me, O God

    Ensemble: Red Byrd. Ensemble: Rose Consort of Viols.
    • NAXOS : 8.-550604.
    • NAXOS.
    • 7.
  • William Byrd

    Fantasia No 2

    Ensemble: Rose Consort of Viols.
    • NAXOS : 8.550604.
    • NAXOS.
    • 6.
  • William Byrd

    Laudibus in Sanctis

    Choir: Oxford Camerata. Conductor: Jeremy Summerly.
    • NAXOS : 8.-550843.
    • NAXOS.
    • 10.
  • William Byrd

    John come kiss me now

    Performer: Aapo Häkkinen.
    • ALBA : ABCD-405.
    • ALBA.
    • 6.
  • William Byrd

    O You that hear this voice

    Singer: Grace Davidson. Ensemble: Fretwork. Director: David Skinner.
    • INVENTA : INV1006.
    • INVENTA.
    • 6.
  • William Byrd

    In fields abroad

    Singer: Grace Davidson. Ensemble: Fretwork. Director: David Skinner.
    • INVENTA : INV1006.
    • INVENTA.
    • 12.
  • William Byrd

    Galliard a6

    Ensemble: Fretwork.
    • HARMONIA MUNDI : HMU 907383.
    • HARMONIA MUNDI.
    • 7.

Broadcasts

  • Mon 3 Jul 2023 12:00
  • Mon 26 Aug 2024 16:00

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