Songs for a Rebel Household
Sat 26 Jun 2010
Ingatestone Hall
The surface of Protestant England under Elizabeth I concealed a vibrant and fertile Roman Catholic subculture, of which William Byrd and his patron Sir John (later the first Lord) Petre – pronounced ‘Peter’ – were leading lights.
Four centuries later, by special arrangement with the present Lord Petre, Exmoor Singers is able to offer you a unique opportunity to experience Byrd’s choral music in its original, private, surroundings.
The music to be sung includes the celebrated Mass for 4 voices, composed for the Petres’ private chapel; a number of his lesser-known secular songs including Byrd’s sublime lament Ye sacred Muses for his teacher (and fellow Catholic) Thomas Tallis; his Lamentations for Holy Week; and his motet Tu es Petrus, dedicated to his patron upon his elevation – by the Protestant Elizabeth – to the peerage: “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.”
The afternoon will include:
Guided tour of Ingatestone Hall
Cream tea
Performance by Exmoor Singers of music by William Byrd
Email address for reservations:
| William Byrd | Mass for 4 voices |
| William Byrd | Ye sacred Muses |
| William Byrd | Lamentations |
| William Byrd | Tu es Petrus |
