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We are a small congregation commemorating the 400th anniversary of the death of the village's Elizabethan composer, William Byrd (c.1540 - 1623).

We are planning to erect a permanent memorial to Byrd to mark the quatercentenary since his death, and have begun a fundraising appeal. Our events this year have included a talk on The Life and Times of William Byrd (30 June), including book release; a Commemorative Service of BCP Evensong (2 July); and, welcomed The Stondon Singers who gave a sell-out William Byrd Anniversary Concert on the actual day (4 July). Stondon Massey has also featured on BBC Radio 3's 'Composer of the Week' programme (3-7 July).

This website contains everything you need to know about William Byrd's life and music as well as his links with Stondon Massey. /

Saturday, 23 April 2011

Six of the Best: William Byrd recordings

'The Very Best of English Song' is a compilation of music on the EMI classics label. I have chosen this for the single Byrd track from the 2 CD set. 'Elegy on the death of Thomas Tallis' (otherwise known as 'Ye Sacred Muses') was composed by Byrd in honour of his great friend. Michael Chance's performance is really something. Worth going to Amazon to buy this collection.

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