Byrd: Motets

Featuring

Stephen Cleobury
Choir of King's College, Cambridge
William Byrd

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Recording & Production

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, records exclusively on its own record label.

Recording & Production

This album was recorded in the Chapel of King's College, Cambridge, by kind permission of the Provost and Fellows.

Composer Biography

William Byrd, the composer, continued his activities as a Catholic composer and published five collections of Latin sacred music despite turbulent religious unrest and a staunchly Protestant environment.

Historical Context

William Byrd's continuing commitment to his Catholic faith was contrary to his oath as Gentleman of the Chapel Royal and made him liable to excommunication by Pope Pius V.

Performer Biography

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, has been a fundamental part of life at King's College since its foundation in 1441 by King Henry VI.

Composition History

William Byrd's motets on this recording are presented in the order they appear in the pre-Reformation church year, starting with Advent and ending with a Marian motet.

Composition History

The Cantiones, a collection of sacred songs by William Byrd and Thomas Tallis, was produced under a royal patent granting them exclusive rights to print and distribute music in England for 21 years.

Byrd: Mass in 5 Parts; Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis

Byrd: Infelix ego

Tomás Luis de Victoria: Requiem "Officium defunctorum"

Victoria: Missa "Vidi Speciosam"; Motet "Vidi Speciosam"; Responsorium IV; Motet "O Domine Jesu Christe"; Responsorium IV; Responsorium VI; Lectio III; Responsorium IX; Motet "Dum Complerentur"; Motet "Surrexit Pastor Bonus"