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Episode 3

Five imagined encounters in the life of the English Renaissance composer William Byrd, as he writes his major work, the Gradualia. With David Suchet and written by D.J. Britton.

David Suchet stars as the English Renaissance composer William Byrd, 'The Father of English Music'. In five imagined encounters, Byrd looks back at key influences in his life and work, as he composes his major liturgical work, the Gradualia, a collection of 109 pieces written for each of the feasts and events in the Church calendar.

Episode 3

Ascension Day, 1605. Byrd recalls his friend and mentor Thomas Tallis, from whom he learnt both about music and about political survival. Under Queen Elizabeth, they were granted the exclusive and lucrative licence to publish music in England and to sell staved paper.

Written by D.J. Britton

William Byrd ..... David Suchet
Thomas Tallis ..... Philip Jackson

Music performed by Odyssean Ensemble and recorded at the Chapel Royal, Tower of London
Music Director, Colm Carey

Sound, Nigel Lewis and Catherine Robinson

Directed by Alison Hindell

大象传媒 Cymru Wales production for 大象传媒 Radio 3

The title is from a quote by William Byrd: 'The exercise of singing is delightful to nature, and good to preserve the health of man.'

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Wed 21 Jul 2021 22:45

Broadcast

  • Wed 21 Jul 2021 22:45