大象传媒

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 4

Pentecost, 1606. James I is wreaking revenge on Catholics following the Gunpowder Plot and times have become dangerous for Byrd and his wife. The first part of the Gradualia has been published and the manuscripts pose a threat for anyone who possesses a copy, especially as they are written in Latin.

Written by D.J. Britton

William Byrd ..... David Suchet
Juliana ..... Sara Kestelman

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.'

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