Tallis, Byrd and The Tudors

 The BBC programme on William Byrd, recorded at Ingatestone Hall and Stondon Massey, from 2008 turns up on YouTube: 

Sacred Music - Thomas Tallis e William Byrd - Legendado (PT-BR) - YouTube

BBC Music Magazine - June 2023

 

'The trials of William Byrd: how the Renaissance composer survived against the odds' is explored in the June 2023 edition of the BBC Music Magazine, issued this week. 

The Reviews Section includes 'Songs of Sundrie Natures', the first complete recording of Byrd's 1589 collection, by Alamire and Fretwork under David Skinner.

Most Performed Byrd at The Proms

The BBC has produced a list of works performed by William Byrd at this and the previous seasons. It forms an interesting list:  William Byrd - BBC Proms - BBC

William Byrd at The Proms

 

William Byrd is featured in three events at the BBC Proms 2023. The major concert is being held i Londonderry / Derry, Northern Ireland.  Follow this link: Performances of William Byrd at BBC Proms - BBC Proms - BBC

Weekend of Byrd for Cathedral Music Trust

 

The Cathedral Music Trust  (Home (cathedralmusictrust.org.uk) ) had their National Gathering from 12-14 May 2023 based at Chelmsford Cathedral with focus on the life and music of William Byrd.  

On Saturday members made a visit to Ingatestone Hall, the home of Byrd's Patron Sir John Petre, before coming over to St Peter & St Paul Church, Stondon Massey, to view Byrd's Will, the Tercentenary Memorial and the churchyard where Byrd is believed to have been buried.  Their afternoon programme was followed by a visit to the neighbouring benefice church at Blackmore where Dr James Bettley gave a talk on Essex Churches.  Special interest was taken in the unique bell tower (see illustration) and a recently launched appeal to raise £200,000 for its repair.

A National Gathering Dinner was held in The Nave of Chelmsford Cathedral in the evening.

At the Cathedral, members and guests were also treated on Friday afternoon to a talk and Recital by James Davy, Organist and Master of Choristers. Pieces played included 'Clarifica me, Pater I-III BK 47-49' and 'Fantasia in C BK25'.  The Evensong Service included the Anglican-composed 'Second Service' - 'Magnificat' and 'Nunc Dimittis' - followed by Byrd's anthem 'Teach me, O Lord'.

Recital at Witham: Sunday 16 July

A recital exploring the infrequently performed in Essex keyboard music of the great Elizabethan composer, William Byrd.

 

"A Byrd in the Hand": a 400th anniversary celebration of the keyboard music of Essex composer William Byrd (ca.1540 - 4 July 1623).

introduced & performed by Richard Overill

at St Nicolas church, Chipping Hill, Witham CM8 2JS

on Sunday 16 July 2023, at 1600-1730

admission free, retiring collection. 

 

The programme will include examples of his Preludes, Fantasias, Plainsong settings, Pavans, Galliards, Variations, Songs and Grounds.

Concert at Ingatestone Hall - 'Sold Out'

 The website of Angel Early Music says this Concert, to be held at Ingatestone Hall on Saturday 10 June 2023, has been 'sold out'.  If we learn otherwise we will advise.

High Country History Group. Repeat of 'The Life and Times of William Byrd: A Local History'

 

If you are not able to make the first and exclusive presentation of 'The Life and Times of William Byrd: A Local History' at Stondon Church on 30 June, there is opportunity to hear again the presentation - in a PowerPoint arrangement - on Thursday 27 July at Toot Hill Village Hall, Stanford Rivers, beginning at 8pm.  Members: £2.  Non members: £5. Includes refreshments.

'The Life and Times of William Byrd. A Local History'. Friday 30 June

 

The script is ready.  The book is ready.  The readers have been chosen. The stage directions for our presentation at Stondon Massey Church are to be finalised.   Join us on 30 June for a local celebration of our great composer.   As heard at the Coronation of King Charles III.

'William Byrd: Some Notes'

 

'William Byrd: Some Notes', the 5th Edition, has just been released to mark the 400th anniversary of the great composer. Price: £3.00 from our local churches.

Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla

William Byrd's music was included in the Coronation Service on 6 May 2023. 'Prevent Us O Lord', an Anglican anthem, was followed by the 'Gloria' from 'The Mass for Four Voices'.  

To listen to these pieces, go to 1'16" by following this link: Local BBC Radio Special - The Coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla - BBC Sounds

Westminster Cathedral Choir Visit

 Choristers from Westminster Cathedral made a private visit last Tuesday to Stondon Massey Church prior to a singing engagement at Brentwood Cathedral. The members saw the place where William Byrd refused to attend worship and were photographed with a copy of his framed Will taken from the Vestry. They also sang exclusively to the pleasure of our Licensed Lay Minister and Churchwarden.