The Honour of William Byrd / Charlston, Chelys Consort of Viols

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This disc provides an opportunity to explore the music of the proud Englishman, the devoted friend, the loyal subject, and the faithful servant that was...

This disc provides an opportunity to explore the music of the proud Englishman, the devoted friend, the loyal subject, and the faithful servant that was William Byrd, on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of his death. Through a collection of songs and instrumental works performed by the Chelys Consorts of Viols joined by tenor violist Harry Buckoke and mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston, this recording introduces this key figure of the English Renaissance music: both devoutly Catholic and a favourite of the Protestant Queen, a serious character capable of weighty contemplation but also sharp wit and humour, and the loyal friend who wrote so personally and touchingly. Beginning with Thou poet’s friend, a celebration of the union of poetry and music, the ensemble’s carefully chosen works are in turn gay, sad, religious and secular, culminating in one of the best and most moving consort songs ever composed, Ye sacred Muses, a tribute to Thomas Tallis, Byrd’s teacher, colleague and friend. The seven instrumental pieces showcase Byrd’s inventiveness with their unexpected runs, cross-rhythms, daring harmonies, lively dances and the joy of sheer virtuosity.

REVIEW:

The Honour of William Byrd offers a rounded portrait of this complicated composer – sombre and witty, Catholic yet a favorite of Elizabeth I. Songs lamenting the deaths of the courtier Philip Sidney and Byrd’s mentor Thomas Tallis stand out amid a consistently intriguing program. Played by the Chelys Consort and flawlessly sung by the mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston, the whole thing is beautifully done.

-- The Guardian (UK)



Product Description:

  • Release Date: July 07, 2023


  • UPC: 7318599926636


  • Catalog Number: BIS-2663


  • Label: BIS


  • Number of Discs: 1


  • Period: Renaissance


  • Composer: William Byrd


  • Orchestra/Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols


  • Performer: Helen Charlston



Works:

  1. Thou Poets' Friend

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Helen Charlston (Mezzo-Soprano)


  2. In Nomine a 4 No. 1

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols


  3. Wretched Albinus

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Helen Charlston (Mezzo-Soprano)


  4. Fantasia a 6 No. 2 in G Minor

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Harry Buckoke (tenor Viol)


  5. With Lilies White

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Helen Charlston (Mezzo-Soprano)


  6. Browning a 5, "The Leaves be Green"

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols


  7. This Sweet And Merry Month of May

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Helen Charlston (Mezzo-Soprano)


  8. O Lord, Make Thy Servant Elizabeth

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Helen Charlston (Mezzo-Soprano)


  9. All as a Sea

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Helen Charlston (Mezzo-Soprano)


  10. Fantasia a 5 in C Major, "Two Parts in One in the Fourth Above"

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols


  11. Come to Me, Grief, For Ever

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Helen Charlston (Mezzo-Soprano)


  12. Sellinger's Round

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols


  13. Blessed is He that Fears the Lord

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Helen Charlston (Mezzo-Soprano)


  14. Why Do I Use my Paper, Ink and Pen?

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Helen Charlston (Mezzo-Soprano)


  15. Fantasia a 6 No. 1 in G Minor

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Harry Buckoke (tenor Viol)


  16. Ah Silly Soul

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Helen Charlston (Mezzo-Soprano)


  17. Rejoice unto the Lord

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Helen Charlston (Mezzo-Soprano)


  18. Fantasia a 4 No. 1 in D Minor

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols


  19. Ye Sacred Muses

    Composer: William Byrd

    Ensemble: Chelys Consort of Viols

    Performer: Helen Charlston (Mezzo-Soprano)