BBC Radio 4 feature William Byrd on Front Row

The English composer William Byrd died 400 years ago. To mark this the acclaimed vocal ensemble Stile Antico is about to release an album of his music. Five of the twelve members of the ensemble come to the Front Row studio to sing and talk about Byrd's extraordinary and moving music.

Pieces sung live by five members of the twelve strong choir are 'Retire My Soul' and 'Mass for Four Voices - Kyrie'.

Excerpt of 'Mass for Four Voices - Agnus Dei' from the new album 'The Golden Renaissance'.

The item is at the beginning of the magazine programme (to 14:08)

First broadcast 4 January 2023.

Front Row - Vocal ensemble Stile Antico, Fay Weldon obituary, director John Strickland - BBC Sounds