Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Renaissance music with William Byrd's "My Ladye Nevells Booke," a meticulously crafted collection of 42 tracks that showcase the composer's mastery of the virginal, a keyboard instrument popular in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Released in 2023 on the Brilliant Classics label, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Byrd's virtuosity and his enduring influence on classical music.
Spanning over three hours, this album is a testament to Byrd's compositional prowess, featuring a diverse range of pieces from pavans and galliards to voluntaries and fancies. Each track is performed with precision and artistry by Pieter-Jan Belder, a renowned harpsichordist and specialist in early music. The album includes iconic works such as "The Marche Before the Battell" and "The Battell" itself, a multi-movement piece that vividly depicts the sounds and chaos of a battlefield.
"My Ladye Nevells Booke" is not just a collection of songs; it is a historical and musical journey through the Elizabethan era. The album's title refers to the manuscript compiled for Lady Elizabeth Nevell, a patron of Byrd, and includes pieces dedicated to her, such as "My Ladye Nevels Grownde" and "Qui passe for my Ladye Nevell." This album offers a unique opportunity to experience the intricate and expressive music of the Renaissance period, performed on period-appropriate instruments.
The album's duration of 3 hours and 21 minutes ensures that listeners can fully appreciate the depth and complexity of Byrd's compositions. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "My Ladye Nevells Booke" promises an enriching and enjoyable listening experience. The album's release on the Brilliant Classics label, known for its high-quality recordings and extensive catalog of classical music, further underscores its significance in the world of early music.
2023 Brilliant Classics2023 Brilliant Classics
Tracks
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: I. My Ladye Nevels Grownde, MB57William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: II. Qui passe for my Ladye Nevell, MB19William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: III. The Marche Before the Battell, MB93William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: IV. The Battell, MB94 - The Souldiers Sommons - The Marche of the Foote Men - The Marche of the Horsmen - The Trumpetts - The Irishe Marche - The Bagpipe and the DroneWilliam Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: V. The Galliarde for the Victorie, MB95William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: VI. The Barelye Breake, MB92William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: VII. A Galliards Gygge, MB18William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: VIII. The Huntes Upp, MB41William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: IX. Ut Re Mi Fa Sol La, MB64William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: X. The Firste Pavian, MB29William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XI. The Galliarde to the SameWilliam Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XII. The II Pavian, MB71William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XIII. The Galliarde to the SameWilliam Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XIV. The III Pavian, MB14William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XV. The Galliarde to the SameWilliam Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XVI. The IIII Pavian, MB30William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XVII. The GalliardeWilliam Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XVIII. The V Pavian, MB31William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XIX. The GalliardeWilliam Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XX. Pavana the VI. Kinbrugh Goodd, MB32William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXI. The GalliardWilliam Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXII. The Seventh Pavian, MB74William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXIII. The Eighte Pavian, MB17William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXIV. The Passinge Mesures Pavan, MB2William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXV. The GalliardeWilliam Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXVI. A Voluntarie for my Ladye Nevell, MB61William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXVII. Will Yow Qalke the Woodes Soe Wylde, MB85William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXVIII. The Maidens Song, MB82William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXIX. A Lesson of Voluntarie, MB26William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXX. The Seconde Grownde, MB42William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXXI. Have with Yow to Walsingame, MB8William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXXII. All in a Garden Grine, MB56William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXXIII. Lord Willobies Welcome Home, MB7William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
My Ladye Nevells Booke, IWB 162: XXXIV. The Carmans Whistle, MB36William Byrd, Pieter-Jan Belder
William Byrd, born around 1540, stands as one of England's most revered composers of the Renaissance era, renowned for his profound influence on both English and Continental music. A prolific composer, Byrd's extensive repertoire spans sacred and secular works, showcasing his mastery of choral, keyboard, and consort music. His compositions, nearly 600 of which have survived, reflect a deep musical sophistication and emotional depth, blending technical brilliance with heartfelt expression.
Byrd's career flourished under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth I, yet his Catholic faith often placed him at odds with the religious tensions of his time. This personal conviction is evident in his music, which includes works for both Anglican and Catholic services, as well as secular pieces that elevated the English madrigal and keyboard styles.
A protégé of the esteemed composer Thomas Tallis, Byrd's innovations in harmony and structure have left an indelible mark on the history of music. His legacy endures, celebrated for its rich tapestry of sacred and secular compositions that continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.
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William Byrd
