The Honour of William Byrd
with 
Helen Charlston - mezzo soprano
Consort songs and instrumental music by William Byrd with Helen Charlston
​for the 400th anniversary of Byrd's death. 
For all lovers of English music, this disc is a must; as a quatercentenary tribute it is simply outstanding. EuropaDisc

​The Honour of William Byrd explores many sides of the man and his music, encompassing:
  • his honouring of his contemporaries in songs such as Ye Sacred Muses (a lament on the death of friend and mentor Thomas Tallis)
  • the honouring of his Catholic faith under a Protestant regime (Blessed Is he That Fears The Lord)
  • his honouring of the Protestant Queen Elizabeth despite his Catholicism  (O Lord Make Thy Servant Elizabeth)
  • the honouring of his country (Sellengers Round, The Sweet And Merry Month of May, and some of the best of his 4- 5- and 6-part consort repertoire that quote folk tunes in their intricate contrapuntal parts)


​This recording was made possible by generous funding from Angel Early Music and The Golsoncott Foundation
If musical output gives us an indication of the person within, then who is this man who is both devoutly Catholic yet clearly a favourite of the Protestant Queen who made his faith illegal, a serious character capable of weighty contemplation but also sharp wit and humour, and the loyal friend who wrote so personally and touchingly of the loss of his teacher and friend Thomas Tallis? This disc explores the proud Englishman, devoted friend, loyal subject, and faithful servant who was William Byrd.
Order your copy from Presto Classical here
A sneak preview from the recording!