Some days (all days?) just need gorgeous polyphony!
A Ground Bass AND Polyphony?
Ok... but HOW? Early Music Sources does a fantastic job of explaining how William Byrd not only wrote beautiful polyphony, but also did so above a ground bass!
Byrd Nunc dimittis
2023 is the 400th anniversary of the death of William Byrd, so what better Nunc dimittis to share than his? This fantastic piece is taken from his collection “Gradualia” and is one of my favorite settings of possibly my favorite text!
Byrd Central
Did you know 2023 will be an anniversary year for Byrd? Check out this page with more of the details, some exciting recordings, and fun swag!
Byrd Hodie
Sang this gorgeous Byrd motet for the Feast of the Presentation - love all these jewels from the Gradualia!
Miserere mei - L'Héritier
Many people know the "Miserere mei" settings of Allegri and Byrd, but how about this gorgeous setting by Jean L'Héritier?
Laetentur coeli
Another Byrd motet for Advent, this time his "Laetentur coeli"!
Rorate caeli
A Byrd motet for the season of Advent, sung by the Choir of the Church of the Advent two years ago.
Siderum Rector
Another of my favorite Byrd motets, Siderum Rector, with a beautiful request for forgiveness.
Justorum Animae
There's a Byrd motet for every season and emotion, including this beauty for All Saints Day.