Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 01 | 20100329 | Listen to his music and you'd think 16th-century William Byrd was the very model of an Elizabethan citizen, a refined character capable of producing some of the most beautiful music for the church ever composed, as well as inventive keyboard and vocal pieces which charm the ear and the mind in equal measure. But, as Donald Macleod discovers, Byrd was also a complex man who pushed the religious mores of his age to the limit, and simultaneously indulged in a lifetime of petty-fogging legal cases which even Victor Meldrew would have been proud of. His story takes us to Lincoln, where he took his first major job. The atmosphere couldn't have been more unsuitable; a Royal inspection had decided that the music was far too lavish for the new Protestant regime, and recommended not just simplifying the worship but even the dismantling of the organ. But this kind of challenge was to be the making of Byrd; again and again he would find ways to work the system, and was quickly found lavishing the cathedral's money on organ upgrades and scouting for new chorister talent. Later in the week we focus on squarely on his Catholic defiance, in works such as 'Why do I use my paper, pen and ink' which refers explicitly to Edmund Campion, brutally executed at Tyburn. And we hear how Byrd was repeatedly reported to the authorities for failing to attend church, and even prevented his servants from worshipping. His personal connections read like an episode of Crimewatch, countless leading Catholics whose names were circulated by the authorities for their religious dissent. But we also explore another, more human side to Byrd: his irrepressible entrepreneurial spirit. This saw him take one of music's greatest ever financial risks as he set up the country's first ever music publishing concern with his great mentor Thomas Tallis, and which at first pushed him to the brink of bankruptcy. And as well as musical interests, we find him pursuing a hectic life as a property speculator, forever in the courts evicting tenants, or battling over some arcane right of way. The week begins, though, with a fresh look at Byrd's musical beginnings. New research has revealed that he grew up in Lincoln, not London as previously thought, and also allows us a fascinating glimpse of his bookcase, home to the most controversial texts of the day. Donald Macleod follows William Byrd through his early years. | ||
| 2010 | 02 | 20100330 | Donald Macleod follows Byrd as he took up his first major appointment. | ||
| 2010 | 03 | 20100331 | Donald Macleod focuses on Byrd's appointment to the Chapel Royal. | ||
| 2010 | 04 | 20100401 | Donald Macleod explores how Byrd walked a tight-rope between Catholic and Protestant. | ||
| 2010 | 05 LAST | 20100402 | Early retirement gives Byrd the opportunity not just to complete some of his musical ambitions but also to try to settle numerous legal disputes which had dogged him for much of his later life. Not that it seemed to bother him - Byrd was always a man to relish his chance to make a case, as we find in his continued court appearances to defend his own religious activities. Presented by Donald Macleod. Donald Macleod on how Byrd had the opportunity to fulfil some of his musical ambitions. | ||
| 2016 | 01 | The Bird Of Loudest Lay | 20160418 | 20210719 (R3) | Donald Macleod explores some of the vast range of Byrd's music including secret settings of the Latin Mass, instrumental dances and erotic songs. Religious intolerance cast a long shadow over the life and music of William Byrd. As a Roman Catholic in Elizabethan England, he was persecuted by the state and often forced to tread a dangerous path between his personal convictions and his duty to the Queen. His musical talent and his strength of character enabled him not just to survive, but thrive. Despite his trials he was, and continues to be, celebrated as the greatest British musician of his age. There is frustratingly little evidence that William Byrd was personally acquainted with his fellow Elizabethan, William Shakespeare. Although, a tantalising reference to `the bird of loudest lay` in Shakespeare's sonnet, The Phoenix and the Turtle hints that they may have been more than mere contemporaries. Byrd did move in celebrated circles, including his long service in the Queen's Chapel Royal choir. In this first programme Donald Macleod explores how Byrd's faith marked him out as an outsider, even as his talent led him to the very heart of the British musical establishment. All this week, to accompany Composer of the Week, Radio 3 is also exploring William Byrd's life through a series of new dramas starring David Suchet. To Preserve the Health of Man is at 10.45 each night. Fantasia a6 (II) Phantasm Mass for Four Voices (Extract) The Cardinall's Musick O dear life, when may it be Robin Blaze, countertenor Concordia Galiardo Mistris Marye Brownlow Davitt Moroney (harpsichord) Infelix ego Stile Antico Producer: Chris Taylor Byrd trod a risky path between his personal convictions and the law. With Donald Macleod. |
| 2016 | 02 | Lincoln | 20160419 | 20210720 (R3) | Donald Macleod looks at Byrd's early life. The celebrated composer began his career as a boy chorister at the Chapel Royal, becoming apprentice to its organist, Thomas Tallis, before winning his first music director post at Lincoln Cathedral. Religious intolerance cast a long shadow over the life and music of William Byrd. As a Roman Catholic in Elizabethan England, he was persecuted by the state and often forced to tread a dangerous path between his personal convictions and his duty to the Queen. His musical talent and his strength of character enabled him not just to survive, but thrive. Despite his trials he was, and continues to be, celebrated as the greatest British musician of his age. By the time he was twenty, Byrd had already served under four successive monarchs. He experienced first-hand how musicians were put at the front line in the battle of faiths, as Britain's rulers see-sawed between new Anglican religion and Roman Catholicism. Donald follows young William to his first proper job, at Lincoln Cathedral, where he composed for voices and instruments. At Lincoln he also converted to Catholicism, a decision that would profoundly affect the rest of his life. All this week, to accompany Composer of the Week, Radio 3 is also exploring William Byrd's life through a series of new dramas starring David Suchet. To Preserve the Health of Man is at 10.45 each night. O lord, make thy servant Elizabeth Tallis Scholars Peter Philips, director Great Service (Hodie, Psalm 47, Magnificat) Musica Contexta The English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble Steven Devine, organ Simon Ravens, director In Nomine, a5 (IV) Rose Consort of Viols Christe qui Lux es, a4 (III) In Nomine, a 5 (V) Phantasm Second Service (Magnificat) Choir of Magdalen college Oxford Fretwork Ryan Leonard, organ Bill Ives, director Ut, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, :a Davitt Moroney, organ Libera me Domine et pone Alamire David Skinner, director Donald Macleod charts Byrd's rise from boy chorister to music chief at Lincoln Cathedral. |
| 2016 | 03 | Businessman | 20160420 | 20210721 (R3) | Byrd risks his livelihood and his reputation as he ventures into music publishing. With Donald Macleod. Religious intolerance cast a long shadow over the life and music of William Byrd. As a Roman Catholic in Elizabethan England, he was persecuted by the state and often forced to tread a dangerous path between his personal convictions and his duty to the Queen. His musical talent and his strength of character enabled him not just to survive, but thrive. Despite his trials he was, and continues to be, celebrated as the greatest British musician of his age. The book business was booming in London, with a hundred and seventy-five booksellers thriving in the city. So, Byrd felt certain he would make his fortune when the Queen herself awarded him a monopoly on the printing and sale of music. Things didn't turn out quite as he planned. All this week, to accompany Composer of the Week, Radio 3 is also exploring William Byrd's life through a series of new dramas starring David Suchet. To Preserve the Health of Man is at 10.45 each night. Susanna fair Geraldine McGreevy, soprano Phantasm Emendemus in melius; Peccantem me quotidie The Cardinall's Musick Andrew Carwood, director Clarifica me, pater Davitt, Morone, organ Domine secundum actum meum Alamire David Skinner, director O that most rare breast Emma Kirkby, soprano Fretwork Galliards Gygge Elizabeth Farr, Harpsichord Lullaby Byrd risks his livelihood as he ventures into music publishing. With Donald Macleod. |
| 2016 | 04 | Friends And Patrons | 20160421 | 20210722 (R3) | Byrd's Catholic faith forced him to choose his friends carefully, and he rewarded his allies with extraordinary music. With Donald Macleod. Religious intolerance cast a long shadow over the life and music of William Byrd. As a Roman Catholic in Elizabethan England, he was persecuted by the state and often forced to tread a dangerous path between his personal convictions and his duty to the Queen. His musical talent and his strength of character enabled him not just to survive, but thrive. Despite his trials he was, and continues to be, celebrated as the greatest British musician of his age. Byrd cultivated friends in influential positions, including the family of Sir John Petre, who also shared Byrd's Catholic faith. Donald Macleod follows Byrd to the Petre estate at Thorndon Hall in Essex where many of his works were performed, and to the nearby village of Stondon Massey where Byrd eventually set up his own country pad. Plus, we take a look along the shelves in Byrd's personal library. All this week, to accompany Composer of the Week, Radio 3 is also exploring William Byrd's life through a series of new dramas starring David Suchet. To Preserve the Health of Man is at 10.45 each night. The Barley Breake Sophie Yates, virginals Ne irascaris Domine Stile Antico The Passinge Mesures: The Nynthe Pavian and Galliarede Kathryn Farr, harpsichord Mass for 5 voices (Sanctus, Agnus Dei) The Choir of King's College, Cambridge Sir David Willcocks, director O you that hear this voice Emma Kirkby, soprano Fretwork Byrd's catholic faith meant he had to choose his allies carefully. With Donald Macleod. |
| 2016 | 05 LAST | Retirement | 20160422 | 20210723 (R3) | Byrd attends Elizabeth I's funeral and looks to his own legacy. With Donald Macleod. Religious intolerance cast a long shadow over the life and music of William Byrd. As a Roman Catholic in Elizabethan England, he was persecuted by the state and often forced to tread a dangerous path between his personal convictions and his duty to the Queen. His musical talent and his strength of character enabled him not just to survive, but thrive. Despite his trials he was, and continues to be, celebrated as the greatest British musician of his age. Byrd's reputation remained undimmed in his old age and, as the Tudors gave way to the Stewarts, things began to look rosier for musicians like Byrd. However, the activities of a certain Guy Fawkes meant that his plans to publish a set of Propers' for the Catholic Mass had to be put on hold. All this week, to accompany Composer of the Week, Radio 3 is also exploring William Byrd's life through a series of new dramas starring David Suchet. To Preserve the Health of Man is at 10.45 each night. In fields abroad Ian Partridge, tenor Phantasm Propers for the Feast of All Saints The Cardinall's Musick Andrew Carwood, director Ave Verum Tallis Scholars Fantasia a6 (III) to the vyolls Fair Britain Isle James Bowman, counter-tenor Ricercar Consort Pavane & Galliard The Earle of Salisbury Catalina Vicens, Harpsichord Sing joyfully unto God our strength Musica Contexta Steven Devine, organ The English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble Simon Ravens, director Producer: Chris Taylor |
| 2023 | 01 | A Man Of Many Parts | 20230703 | Donald Macleod shines a light on the intricate tangle of relationships, duties and ideas that surrounded Byrd. This week, Donald Macleod marks the 400th anniversary of the death of William Byrd, the greatest British musician of his age. Donald is joined all week by Byrd expert Kerry McCarthy to explore Byrd's story and reveal a composer of determined ambition and powerful convictions. Those who encountered him, found Byrd could be a difficult adversary as well as a loyal friend. Donald also visits Essex to discover what remains of Byrd's legacy in the places where he felt most at home, and to see how the composer navigated a hazardous path between his Catholic faith and his duty to the crown at a time of great religious intolerance. Today, we're introduced to some of Byrd's varied roles and identities, as a public servant and a private individual. Plus, Donald investigates how this sometimes isolated composer connected with the community in which he lived. O Lux Beata Trinitas Alamire, directed by David Skinner The Bells Sophie Yates, virginals Praise the Lord all Ye Gentiles The Cambridge Singers, directed by John Rutter Have Mercy on me O God Fantasia No 2 Red Byrd Rose Consort of Viols Laudibus in Sanctis Oxford Camerata, directed by Jeremy Summerly John come kiss me now Aapo H䀀kkinen, harpsichord O You that hear this voice In fields abroad Grace Davidson, soprano Fretwork, directed by David Skinner Galliard a6 Donald Macleod explores the tangle of relationships, duties and ideas surrounding Byrd. | |
| 2023 | 02 | Lincoln | 20230704 | Byrd starts his adult working life, determined to impress, but can he compromise too? With Donald Macleod. This week, Donald Macleod marks the 400th anniversary of the death of William Byrd, the greatest British musician of his age. Donald is joined all week by Byrd expert Kerry McCarthy to explore Byrd's story and reveal a composer of determined ambition and powerful convictions. Those who encountered him, found Byrd could be a difficult adversary as well as a loyal friend. Donald also visits Essex to discover what remains of Byrd's legacy in the places where he felt most at home, and to see how the composer navigated a hazardous path between his Catholic faith and his duty to the crown at a time of great religious intolerance. Today, Donald follows Byrd to Lincoln where he's been offered a prestigious new role at the cathedral. He finds there are plenty of opportunities to seize here but also some frustrating challenges; Byrd doesn't always see eye to eye with his ecclesiastical bosses. Fantasia in A minor (extract) Andreas Staier, harpsichord O Lord Make thy Servant Elizabeth Choir of Westminster Abbey, directed by James O'Donnell Robert Quinney, organ Magnificat (Short Evening Service) Truro Cathedral Choir, directed by Andrew Nethsingha Te Deum (The Great Service) The Tallis Scholars, directed by Peter Phillips In Nomine a5 (No 2) Fantasia a6 in F In Nomine a5 (No 3) Phantasm Domine Quis Habitabit The Cardinall's Musick, directed by Andrew Carwood Byrd starts a new job, determined to impress. Can he compromise too? With Donald Macleod. | |
| 2023 | 03 | The Chapel Royal | 20230705 | Byrd joins the queen's personal choir and tries his luck in publishing. With Donald Macleod. This week, Donald Macleod marks the 400th anniversary of the death of William Byrd, the greatest British musician of his age. Donald is joined all week by Byrd expert Kerry McCarthy to explore Byrd's story and reveal a composer of determined ambition and powerful convictions. Those who encountered him, found Byrd could be a difficult adversary as well as a loyal friend. Donald also visits Essex to discover what remains of Byrd's legacy in the places where he felt most at home, and to see how the composer navigated a hazardous path between his Catholic faith and his duty to the crown at a time of great religious intolerance. Today, a tragic accident leaves a vacancy at the Chapel Royal. Byrd steps up to join this elite band of musicians and works hard to make the most of his new connections at the royal court. When Queen Elizabeth awards him a patent to print music, surely fame and riches will follow? Laetentur coeli The Dunedin Consort Clarifica Me, I, II & III Michael Bailey, organ Magnificat (The Great Service) Odyssean Ensemble, directed by Colm Carey Christian Wilson, organ Peccantem me quotidie Attollite portas The Cardinall's Musick, directed by Andrew Carwood Come to me grief forever All as a sea As I beheld I saw a herdman wild Martha McLorinan, mezzo-soprano Alamire Fretwork, directed by David Skinner Byrd joins the queen's choir and tries his luck in publishing. With Donald Macleod. | |
| 2023 | 04 | Recusant | 20230706 | Donald Macleod examines Byrd the religious rebel. This week, Donald Macleod marks the 400th anniversary of the death of William Byrd, the greatest British musician of his age. Donald is joined all week by Byrd expert Kerry McCarthy to explore Byrd's story and reveal a composer of determined ambition and powerful convictions. Those who encountered him, found Byrd could be a difficult adversary as well as a loyal friend. Donald also visits Essex to discover what remains of Byrd's legacy in the places where he felt most at home, and to see how the composer navigated a hazardous path between his Catholic faith and his duty to the crown at a time of great religious intolerance. Today, Donald looks at the consequences for recusants', like Byrd, who remained loyal to the Catholic faith even though catholic worship had been outlawed by the queen. Donald visits Ingatestone Hall, home to Byrd's patron and fellow recusant, Sir John Petre (later Lord Petre), and investigates how they pursued their beliefs in rural Essex, while also remaining loyal servants of the crown. Gaudeamus omnes Marian Consort, directed by Rory McCleery Mass for 4 voices: Credo Pro Arte Singers, directed by Paul Hillier Sellinger's Round Pavan 'Sir William Petre Christopher Hogwood, harpsichord and virginals Ne irascaris Domine Choir of Westminster Cathedral, directed by Martin Baker Oh God that guides the cheerful sun The Sixteen Fretwork, directed by Harry Christophers | |
| 2023 | 05 LAST | Stondon Massey | 20230707 | Donald Macleod sees Byrd retire to the country and pursue new directions in music and in life. This week, Donald Macleod marks the 400th anniversary of the death of William Byrd, the greatest British musician of his age. Donald is joined all week by Byrd expert Kerry McCarthy to explore Byrd's story and reveal a composer of determined ambition and powerful convictions. Those who encountered him, found Byrd could be a difficult adversary as well as a loyal friend. Donald also visits Essex to discover what remains of Byrd's legacy in the places where he felt most at home, and to see how the composer navigated a hazardous path between his Catholic faith and his duty to the crown at a time of great religious intolerance. Today, Donald returns to Stondon Massey where Byrd lived for nearly 30 years, and searches for clues to his final resting place there. He looks at the legal battles Byrd initiated with some of his neighbours and explores the daring new musical project Byrd set for himself, now he was free of his regular obligations at the Chapel Royal. Haec dies Choir of Clare College Cambridge, directed by Timothy Brown The Battell (extract) Terence Charlston, virginals Galiardo Mrs. Mary Brownlow Catalina Vicens (virginals) Responsum accepit Simeon Nunc dimittis The William Byrd Choir, directed by Gavin Turner Come Jolly Swains Have Mercy on me, O God Blow up the Trumpet The Sixteen Fretwork, directed by Harry Christophers Galiardo The Earle of Salisbury Flora Papadopoulos, double harp Tristitia et anxietas Gallicantus Donald Macleod sees Byrd retire to the country to pursue new and more personal projects. |