The music of William Byrd and Thomas Tallis, before, during and after the English Reformation.
Our title illustrates the sense of alienation which was felt at the time, not least by these two composers, when the familiar assumptions and practices of Catholicism were taken away, restored and taken away again under Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth I. Both composers adapted and evolved their music, sometimes writing clandestine music for Catholic patrons against the reigning monarch of the day.
PROGRAMME
William Byrd (1543–1623):
Mass for Four Voices: Kyrie, Gloria, Agnus Dei
O Lord, make thy servant Elizabeth our Queen
Teach me, O Lord
Sing joyfully
Ne irascaris Domine
Vigilate
Thomas Tallis (c1505–1585):
Missa Puer natus est: Gloria, Agnus Dei
Why fum’th in fight
If ye love me, keep my commandments
O Lord, give Thy Holy Spirit
Videte miraculum