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Tradition and invention in the sacred music of William Byrd
2 February 2023 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
‘Framed to the life of the words’
Tradition and invention in the sacred music of William Byrd
An online talk by David Allinson
Thursday 2 February 2023, 7.30–9.00 pm
William Byrd died on 4th July 1623. This year is certain to see many workshops, concerts and recordings celebrating his achievement. In this live Zoom talk David Allinson will take the opportunity to explore the elements that made Byrd the outstanding English composer of his generation. What did he inherit from early Tudor English music? What did he synthesise from contemporary influences? And what did he bequeath to following generations of musicians?
Focusing on a selection of key pieces, David will trace Byrd’s career, from prodigiously talented apprentice soaking up styles and techniques inherited from Taverner and Tallis to Janus-like journeyman, simultaneously the ornament of Elizabeth’s Chapel Royal and conscience of recusant Catholics. Finally, in his last works we find a master composer seamlessly melding English and continental traditions to create sublime music in the service of his religious community.
David will identify the elements that formed Byrd’s style and, along the way, try to explain why his music is frequently so tricky to sight-read!
Download flier with further information.