Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Renaissance music with William Byrd's "Renaissance Sleep," a captivating album set to release on July 2, 2025, under the UME - Global Clearing House label. This exquisite collection spans a diverse range of genres, including choral, classical, and Gregorian chant, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that showcase Byrd's unparalleled mastery.
William Byrd, a towering figure of the Renaissance era, was not only a prolific composer but also a devout Catholic, a fact that deeply influenced his work. Despite the religious turmoil of his time, Byrd's music transcends boundaries, blending sacred and secular themes with remarkable grace. "Renaissance Sleep" is a testament to his enduring legacy, featuring both vocal and instrumental pieces that have been cherished for centuries.
The album's tracklist is a journey through Byrd's most celebrated works, from the hauntingly beautiful "Flow my Tears" to the intricate "Ricercare secundo" and the majestic "Kyrie V." Each piece is a masterclass in composition, showcasing Byrd's ability to evoke deep emotion and spiritual depth. The inclusion of live performances, such as "Flow, my tears (Arr. for Cello and Guitar)" and "I Saw My Lady Weep (Arr. for Guitar & String Quartet) - Live at Liszt Academy, Budapest, 2018," adds a dynamic layer to the album, bringing a sense of immediacy and vitality to the recordings.
With a duration of 1 hour and 31 minutes, "Renaissance Sleep" is a substantial and immersive listening experience. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a profound and enriching journey into the heart of Renaissance music. William Byrd's genius shines through in every note, making "Renaissance Sleep" a timeless addition to any music collection.
Corde Natus Ex ParentisAnonymous, VOCES8, Christian Forshaw
Ave donna santissimaTraditional, Linn Andrea Fuglseth
Nu vilar hela jordenTraditional, Anna Maria Friman
Den signete dagTraditional, Torunn Ostrem Ossum
Plainchant for Vespers I (Recollectio festorum beate Marie virginis): Responsorium: Surge propera, columba meaGuillaume Dufay, Kurt-Owen Richards, Mark Duer, Peter Stewart, Jeffrey Johnson, Alexander Blachly
Venite a laudareTraditional, Anna Maria Friman
Lauda novellaTraditional, Torunn Ostrem Ossum
Hymnus "Veni Creator Spiritus"Traditional, Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz
Lady Rich, Her GalliardJohn Dowland, Nigel North
Christe Redemptor omnium - Hymnus ad Vesperas tempore Nativitatis DominiAnonymous, Choralschola der Wiener Hofburgkapelle, Hubert Dopf S.J.
A QuestionTobias Hume, Anja Lechner
Veni Creator SpiritusJuliette Pochin, James Morgan, Poor Clare Sisters Arundel
Kyrie V - Kyrie magnae Deus potentiae, Vat. V/In Nativitate Domini ad Missam in dieAnonymous, Choralschola der Wiener Hofburgkapelle, Hubert Dopf S.J.
Puer qui natus est nobis - Introitus/In Nativitate Domini ad Missam in dieAnonymous, Choralschola der Wiener Hofburgkapelle, Hubert Dopf S.J.
Ad Completorium: Hymnus "Te lucis ante terminum"Traditional, Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz