To Preserve The Health Of Man

Episodes

EpisodeFirst
Broadcast
Comments
0120210719David Suchet stars as the English Renaissance composer William Byrd, 'The Father of English Music'. In five imagined encounters, Byrd looks back at key influences in his life and work, as he composes his major liturgical work, the Gradualia, a collection of 109 pieces written for each of the feasts and events in the Church calendar.

Episode 1

Advent 1603. As a Catholic, Byrd enjoyed the patronage and protection of Elizabeth I but now, the early years of James I bring change and turbulence and a renewed threat to Catholics following the Reformation. Byrd's wife, Juliana, convinces him not to be afraid and to continue with his composition.

Written by D.J. Britton

William Byrd ..... David Suchet

Juliana Byrd ..... Sara Kestelman

Music performed by Odyssean Ensemble and recorded at the Chapel Royal, Tower of London

Music Director, Colm Carey

Sound, Nigel Lewis and Catherine Robinson

Directed by Alison Hindell

BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 3

The title is from a quote by William Byrd: 'The exercise of singing is delightful to nature, and good to preserve the health of man.

David Suchet plays the composer William Byrd in five imagined moments. By D.J. Britton.

David Suchet plays the composer William Byrd in five imagined moments. By DJ Britton

0220210720David Suchet stars as the English Renaissance composer William Byrd, 'The Father of English Music'. In five imagined encounters, Byrd looks back at key influences in his life and work, as he composes his major liturgical work, the Gradualia, a collection of 109 pieces written for each of the feasts and events in the Church calendar.

Episode 2

Easter 1604. Byrd reflects on the careful line he has walked between political pragmatism and adherence to his faith and his inspiration. Queen Elizabeth protected and rewarded him but not without some compromise on his part.

Written by D.J. Britton

William Byrd ..... David Suchet

Queen Elizabeth ..... Juliet Aubrey

Music performed by Odyssean Ensemble and recorded at the Chapel Royal, Tower of London

Music Director, Colm Carey

Sound, Nigel Lewis and Catherine Robinson

Directed by Alison Hindell

BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 3

The title is from a quote by William Byrd: 'The exercise of singing is delightful to nature, and good to preserve the health of man.

David Suchet plays the composer William Byrd in five imagined moments. By D.J. Britton

David Suchet plays the composer William Byrd in five imagined moments. By DJ Britton

0320210721David Suchet stars as the English Renaissance composer William Byrd, 'The Father of English Music'. In five imagined encounters, Byrd looks back at key influences in his life and work, as he composes his major liturgical work, the Gradualia, a collection of 109 pieces written for each of the feasts and events in the Church calendar.

Episode 3

Ascension Day, 1605. Byrd recalls his friend and mentor Thomas Tallis, from whom he learnt both about music and about political survival. Under Queen Elizabeth, they were granted the exclusive and lucrative licence to publish music in England and to sell staved paper.

Written by D.J. Britton

William Byrd ..... David Suchet

Thomas Tallis ..... Philip Jackson

Music performed by Odyssean Ensemble and recorded at the Chapel Royal, Tower of London

Music Director, Colm Carey

Sound, Nigel Lewis and Catherine Robinson

Directed by Alison Hindell

BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 3

The title is from a quote by William Byrd: 'The exercise of singing is delightful to nature, and good to preserve the health of man.

David Suchet plays the composer William Byrd in five imagined moments. By D.J. Britton

David Suchet plays the composer William Byrd in five imagined moments. By DJ Britton

0420210722David Suchet stars as the English Renaissance composer William Byrd, 'The Father of English Music'. In five imagined encounters, Byrd looks back at key influences in his life and work, as he composes his major liturgical work, the Gradualia, a collection of 109 pieces written for each of the feasts and events in the Church calendar.

Episode 4

Pentecost, 1606. James I is wreaking revenge on Catholics following the Gunpowder Plot and times have become dangerous for Byrd and his wife. The first part of the Gradualia has been published and the manuscripts pose a threat for anyone who possesses a copy, especially as they are written in Latin.

Written by D.J. Britton

William Byrd ..... David Suchet

Juliana ..... Sara Kestelman

Music performed by Odyssean Ensemble and recorded at the Chapel Royal, Tower of London

Music Director, Colm Carey

Sound, Nigel Lewis and Catherine Robinson

Directed by Alison Hindell

BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 3

The title is from a quote by William Byrd: 'The exercise of singing is delightful to nature, and good to preserve the health of man.

David Suchet plays the composer William Byrd in five imagined moments. By D.J. Britton

David Suchet plays the composer William Byrd in five imagined moments. By DJ Britton

0520210723David Suchet stars as the English Renaissance composer William Byrd, 'The Father of English Music'. In five imagined encounters, Byrd looks back at key influences in his life and work, as he composes his major liturgical work, the Gradualia, a collection of 109 pieces written for each of the feasts and events in the Church calendar.

Episode 4

Feast of St Peter & St Paul, 1607. Byrd is keeping a low profile and continuing with his composition. He must finally confront his memories of Edmund Campion, the Catholic martyr under Elizabeth and his close friend, whose staunch faith led to torture and the scaffold.

Written by D.J. Britton

William Byrd ..... David Suchet

Edmund Campion ..... Gunnar Cauthery

Music performed by Odyssean Ensemble and recorded at the Chapel Royal, Tower of London

Music Director, Colm Carey

Sound, Nigel Lewis and Catherine Robinson

Directed by Alison Hindell

BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 3

The title is from a quote by William Byrd: 'The exercise of singing is delightful to nature, and good to preserve the health of man.

David Suchet plays the composer William Byrd in five imagined moments. By D.J. Britton

David Suchet plays the composer William Byrd in five imagined moments. By DJ Britton