Chelys Consort of Viols, Helen Charlston – The Honour of William Byrd (2023) [FLAC 24bit/192kHz]

Chelys Consort of Viols, Helen Charlston - The Honour of William Byrd (2023) [FLAC 24bit/192kHz] Download

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.

Tracklist:

01. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Thou poet’s friend (02:04)
02. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – In nomine à4 No. 1 (02:43)
03. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Wretched Albinus (02:25)
04. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Fantasia à6 No. 2 (05:12)
05. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – With lilies white (04:50)
06. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Fantasia à5: Browning ‘The Leaves be Greene’ (04:01)
07. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – This sweet and merry month of May (02:50)
08. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – O Lord, make thy servant, Elizabeth (02:21)
09. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – All as a sea, the world no other is (03:20)
10. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Fantasia à5: Two Parts in One in the Fourth Above (05:16)
11. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Come to me, grief, for ever (05:47)
12. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Sellenger’s Round (04:42)
13. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Blessed is he that fears the Lord (05:35)
14. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Why do I use my paper, ink and pen (07:21)
15. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Fantasia à6 No. 1 (03:24)
16. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Ah silly soul (02:48)
17. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Rejoice unto the Lord (03:19)
18. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Fantasia à4 No. 1 (02:49)
19. Chelys Consort of Viols featuring Helen Charlston – Ye sacred Muses (03:35)