Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of William Byrd's "Second Service & Consort Anthems," a masterful collection of choral and classical compositions that showcase the Renaissance composer's unparalleled talent. Released on September 11, 2007, under the Harmonia Mundi label, this album offers a rich tapestry of sacred music that spans over an hour and eleven minutes, providing a deeply moving and contemplative listening experience.
The album features a diverse array of pieces, including the majestic "Second Service" with its two-part "Magnificat" and "Nunc dimittis," the hauntingly beautiful "In nomine a5" series, and the poignant "Blessed is he that fears the Lord." Byrd's intricate polyphonic writing and expressive melodies are on full display, demonstrating his mastery of both sacred and secular forms. The inclusion of works like "Why Do I Use My Paper, Ink & Pen?" adds a touch of introspection and personal reflection, while the "Fantasia" pieces showcase his prowess in instrumental composition.
William Byrd, a prominent figure of the English Renaissance, was known for his ability to blend the sacred and the secular, the complex and the simple. This album is a testament to his enduring legacy, offering a glimpse into the musical world of 16th-century England. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Byrd's "Second Service & Consort Anthems" promises a rewarding and enriching journey through the depths of Renaissance choral music.
2007 harmonia mundi usa2007 harmonia mundi usa
Tracks
Arise, O LordWilliam Byrd, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives
O God, that guides the cheerful sunWilliam Byrd, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives, Fretwork
Alack, when I look backWilliam Byrd, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives, Fretwork, Rogers Covey-Crump
In nomine a5 (II)William Byrd, Fretwork
Second Service: I. MagnificatWilliam Byrd, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives, Fretwork
Fantasia in D MinorWilliam Byrd, Ryan Leonard
Second Service: II. Nunc dimittisWilliam Byrd, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives, Fretwork
In nomine a5 (IV)William Byrd, Fretwork
Blessed is he that fears the LordWilliam Byrd, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives, Fretwork, Rogers Covey-Crump
Thou God that guid'stWilliam Byrd, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives, Fretwork
O Lord, make thy servant ElizabethWilliam Byrd, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives
Fantasia in A MinorWilliam Byrd, Ryan Leonard
Lord in thy wrathWilliam Byrd, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives, Fretwork, Rogers Covey-Crump
In nomine a5 (V)William Byrd, Fretwork
Have mercy upon me, O GodWilliam Byrd, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives, Fretwork
Why Do I Use My Paper, Ink & Pen?William Byrd, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives, Fretwork, Rogers Covey-Crump
Prevent us, O LordWilliam Byrd, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives, Fretwork
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