The Tallis Scholars Sing William Byrd [Import]

William [Composer] Byrd (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Composer: William [Composer] Byrd
• Audio CD (November 13, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: Gimell UK
• ASIN: B000WC8BNY
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #86,454 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #95 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Renaissance (c.1450-1600) > Composers
  • #96 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Vocal Non-Opera > Anthems

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Kyrie (Mass for five voices)

2. Gloria

3. Credo

4. Sanctus & Benedictus

5. Agnus Dei

6. Kyrie (Mass for four voices)

7. Gloria

8. Credo

9. Sanctus & Benedictus

10. Agnus Dei

See all 17 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Vigilate

2. Tristitia et anxietas

3. Ne irascaris, Domine

4. Prevent us, O Lord

5. Venite (The Great Service)

6. Te Deum

7. Benedictus

8. Creed

9. Magnificat

10. Nunc dimittis

See all 13 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The two sides of William Byrd, December 16, 2007

By 

Russ (Richmond, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Tallis Scholars Sing William Byrd (Audio CD)

Here we have a two disc compilation of the sacred choral works of the English composer William Byrd (c1540-1623), as expertly sung by the Tallis Scholars. On the one side, one is exposed to the lovely Masses and motets of a composer whose Catholic faith is obviously deeply felt. While on the other, one hears the composer's highly communicative and joyous Anglican works, the texts of which the composer probably never fully connected. Although these recordings have already been separately issued by the Gimell label, it is great to have them combined here at a discounted price. In fact, if you were only going to make one purchase of Byrd's choral works, this is certainly the one to make.

The first disc is entirely dedicated to the Catholic works of Byrd, including his three Masses. Byrd was a lifelong Catholic, and it is within these solemn pieces, at least to me, Byrd seems to be at his most expressive. These are fascinating works, and can be considered among the finest Mass settings composed during the renaissance. Although the Masses were probably written in the 1590's, they look back to the music of earlier composers, such as Tallis and Gombert. The beautiful Agnus Dei of the five-part Mass is a personal favorite. But whether it is the intricate polyphony, rich textures or the long, flowing melodic lines, each of the Mass settings is great, and distinctive, in its own way. Concluding the first disc is the hauntingly lovely 'Infelix ego'. This piece, with its soaring, amazingly high, soprano line, is reminiscent of Allegri's 'Miscere', which has always been one of my favorites.

The second disc predominately consists of Byrd's Anglican works, including his longest composition, 'The Great Service'. This setting is indeed impressive, with its scoring for two five-part choirs and its emotive imitative polyphony. The program exuberantly concludes with 'Sing joyfully unto God', Byrd's most famous anthem. The idea that Byrd held true to his Catholic faith, even as he composed these Anglican pieces, is not apparent in the least given the intricate beauty of these works. It is worth noting that the Anglican works are different from the Catholic works, in that they are in English (as opposed to Latin), their harmonic structure is more chordal and the texture is a little less complex, making the text easier to discern.

There is no doubt that Byrd was one of the greatest composers of the late renaissance. This is music that is both timeless and beautiful. As one would expect from the forces involved, each piece is excellently performed and recorded. The program notes are sufficiently detailed and provide a good overview of the different aspects of the composer's style. Texts and translations of each composition are included as well. In summary, this is a fabulous program which will, I am sure, provide me with years of listening pleasure.

Highest Recommendation!

Total Times:
CD1: 79:05
CD2: 79:03

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the Best, July 7, 2009

By 

Cometkazie "Tom" (Centre, Ky, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Tallis Scholars Sing William Byrd (Audio CD)

There are two sixteenth century composers whose music makes my ears perk up. They are William Byrd and Giovanni Palestrina, and The Tallis Scholars stand out in the top rank of their interpreters. This two CD set is an excellent example of their treatment of Byrd's music. Russ from Richmond wrote an excellent, detailed review and I see no need to repeat what he said.

I can not put my finger on what makes the music so special to me. I tend to have it playing in the background and, when these pieces come on, they grab my attention.

Excellent value, too. Highest recommendation.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific reissue, April 16, 2011

By 

Sid Nuncius (London England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tallis Scholars Sing William Byrd (Audio CD)

This is another in the outstanding series of budget reissues of the Tallis Scholars' finest recordings of the last 30 years. It contains the two CDs of Byrd's music recorded in the mid 1980s - their wonderful recordings of the three Masses and of the Great Service. In addition, there are five magnificent motets including the sublime Infelix ego. It is a wonderful collection of music from one of England's very greatest composers, and it also provides a really fascinating insight into the religious upheavals of Tudor times.

Byrd remained a Catholic throughout his life, despite the colossal pressures on Catholics following the Reformation. The first part of this includes Byrd's three settings of the Mass in Latin for Five, Four and Three Voices for Catholic worship. These are sublime, touching works, perhaps written for secret worship. The contrast between these and the Anglican settings in English is very marked, although the Anglican settings are no less musically rewarding. They conform (largely) to the injunction by Cranmer that settings should be one note to a syllable so that the text should be clearly heard, and have a sparer and more declamatory feel. Peter Phillips's commentary on this aspect of the music is, as always, exceptionally penetrating and interesting.

The performances themselves are unsurpassed, in my view, and rivalled only by The Cardinall's Musick's magnificent disc of the Masses. Intonation, clarity of line, balance and blend are impeccable and the whole is, as we have come to expect from the Tallis Scholars, simply brilliant and exceptionally beautiful.

At this price for two CDs of superb performances of some of the greatest English music ever written you simply can't go wrong, and I recommend this set wholeheartedly.