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Byrd starts his adult working life determined to impress, but can he compromise too? With Donald Macleod.

This week, Donald Macleod explores the life of William Byrd, the greatest British musician of his age. Donald is joined all week by Byrd expert Kerry McCarthy to explore Byrd’s story and reveal a composer of determined ambition and powerful convictions. Those who encountered him, found Byrd could be a difficult adversary as well as a loyal friend. Donald also visits Essex to discover what remains of Byrd’s legacy in the places where he felt most at home, and to see how the composer navigated a hazardous path between his catholic faith and his duty to the crown at a time of great religious intolerance.

Today, Donald follows Byrd to Lincoln where he’s been offered a prestigious new role at the cathedral. He finds there are plenty of opportunities to seize here but also some frustrating challenges; Byrd doesn’t always see eye-to-eye with his ecclesiastical bosses.

Fantasia in A minor (extract)
Andreas Staier, harpsichord

O Lord Make thy Servant Elizabeth
Choir of Westminster Abbey, directed by James O’Donnell
Robert Quinney, organ

Magnificat (Short Evening Service)
Truro Cathedral Choir, directed by Andrew Nethsingha

Te Deum (The Great Service)
The Tallis Scholars, directed by Peter Phillips

In Nomine a5 (No 2)
Fantasia a6 in F
In Nomine a5 (No 3)
Phantasm

Domine Quis Habitabit
The Cardinall’s Musick, directed by Andrew Carwood

Fantasia in A minor
Robert Quinney, organ