Byrd: Psalmes, Songs and Sonnets (1611)
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WILLIAM BYRD
Byrd: Psalmes, Songs and Sonnets (1611)
The Sixteen, Fretwork, Harry Christophers
[ Coro / 2 CD ]
Release Date: Friday 7 October 2022
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The Psalmes, Songs and Sonnets of 1611 was William Byrd's final publication. And what a superbly fitting culmination to a lifetime of musical service it is! As well as being packed with variety and invention - including both sacred and secular music and using a range of forces from small trios to consorts to full choir - it is probably the happiest, most serene collection of music Byrd ever produced. Ahead of the 400th Anniversary of William Byrd's death in 2023, The Sixteen and Harry Christophers are joined by celebrated Viol Consort, Fretwork, for this new complete recording of the Psalmes, Songs and Sonnets of 1611.
"The choir is at its best in the full choral works such as the anthem 'Turn Our Captivity' where they impressively shape and unfold the music...this is a significant and welcome addition to Byrd's recorded output." BBC Music
"This is a landmark release finally addressing one of the most obvious oversights in Byrd's recorded catalogue. It's an exquisite album of unparalleled beauty that will bear repeated listening long past the anniversary year." Gramophone Award Finalist 2023 - Early music
"As ever with Harry Christophers and the Sixteen, precision of diction and balance is no barrier to warmth and emotion...The sublime Praise Our Lord All Ye Gentiles is among the many highlights, as are the two fantasias, on which Fretwork's ensemble playing is a joy." Sunday Times
Tracks:
CD1
The eagle's force
Of flattering speech
In winter cold
Whereat an ant
Who looks may leap
Sing ye to our Lord a new song
I have been young, but now am old
In crystal towers
This sweet and merry month of May
Let not the sluggish sleep
A feigned friend
Awake mine eyes
Come jolly swains
What is life, or worldly pleasure?
Fantasia (in 4 parts)
Come let us rejoice unto our Lord
Retire my soul, consider thine estate
Arise Lord into thy rest
Come woeful Orpheus
CD2
Sing we merrily unto God
Blow up the trumpet
Crowned with flowers
Wedded to will is witless
Make we joy to God
Have mercy upon me O God
Fantasia (in 6 parts)
This day Christ was born
O God that guides the cheerful sun
Praise our Lord all ye Gentiles
Turn our captivity, O Lord
Ah silly soul
How vain the toils
