Composer of the Week - William Byrd (1543-1623)
Donald Macleod explores the life and work of William Byrd. He composed beautiful church music and inventive keyboard and vocal music, but was also a complex man who pushed religious mores to the limit
Composer of the Week - William Byrd (1543-1623) - Episode 1
Donald Macleod follows William through his early years as he builds his reputation not just as composer and musician, but as religious agitator and ambitious entrepreneur.
Details
Composer of the Week - William Byrd (1543-1623) - Episode 2
Donald Macleod follows Byrd as he took up his first major appointment - at Lincoln Cathedral. It should have been the perfect opportunity for the ambitious composer to flourish.
Details
Composer of the Week - William Byrd (1543-1623) - Episode 3
Donald Macleod focuses on William Byrd's appointment to the Chapel Royal, where he took a risk in setting up the country's first major music publishing concern.
Details
Composer of the Week - William Byrd (1543-1623) - Episode 4
Donald Macleod explores how Byrd walked a precarious tight-rope, creating a DIY 'mass kit' for Catholics while pacifying the Protestant authorities.
Details
Composer of the Week - William Byrd (1543-1623) - Episode 5
Donald Macleod explores how early retirement gave Byrd the opportunity to fulfil some of his musical ambitions and also settle various legal disputes that had dogged him.
Details