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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. /

Monday 25 April 2011

Six of the Best: William Byrd recordings

This seven disc box set is a bargain. It features, as it says, 'The Complete Keyboard Music' of William Byrd performed on various instruments by Davitt Moroney. Some pieces were recorded at Ingatestone Hall. The box set comes complete with a 195 page booklet giving details of the pieces and a biographical account of William Byrd. My favourite piece is 'The Bells'.

Our organist, John Hatt, will be playing three keyboard pieces at the service at St Peter & St Paul Church, Stondon Massey (9am) on Sunday 8 May:
- 'Lord Willobies Welcome Home' from 'My Lady Nevells Booke of Virginal Music
- 'Monsieurs Alman'
- 'Fantasia' from 'Fitzwilliam Virginal Book'

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