Stile Antico: England's Nightingale

Stile Antico marks 400 years since the death of William Byrd by exploring the many faces of this extraordinary composer, amongst the greatest that England has ever produced. This programme weaves together the strands of Byrd’s complex life as both pillar of the Protestant musical establishment and faithful servant to the underground Catholic community. The audience encounters Byrd working loyally at the Chapel Royal, thrills to his anguished musical entreaties in support of his fellow Catholics, and savours the gentler music of his latter years.

William Byrd: Emendemus in Melius

‘A good egg’ – Byrd, the loyal subject

Byrd: This sweet and merry month a 6 Byrd: O Lord, make thy servant Elizabeth Byrd: Sing joyfully Byrd: Nunc Dimittis from The Great Service

‘The caged bird’ – Byrd, the Catholic at court

Byrd: Vide Domine afflictionem Byrd: Haec dies quam fecit Dominum Byrd: Ne irascaris, Domine

‘A country nest’ – Byrd, the Essex Gentleman

Byrd: Retire my soul Byrd: Ave verum corpus Byrd: Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes Byrd: Optimam partem elegit Byrd: Factus est repente Byrd: Agnus Dei from Mass for Four Voices

‘Under his wing’ – Byrd, the “much reverenced master”

Thomas Morley: Domine Dominus noster Peter Philips: Ecce vicit Leo Thomas Tomkins: Too much I once lamented

Byrd: Laudibus in sanctis