OVERVIEWS - WILLIAM BYRD - A BYRD'S EYE VIEW

In recognition of this year's Gramophone "Record of the Year" Award recipient, the recording of William Byrd's 'Infelix ego' from the Cantiones Sacrae 1591, performed by the Cardinall's Musick under the direction of Andrew Carwood, here are some of the best recordings of the music from this key figure of the Renaissance.

An English composer whose birth date has been estimated to be anytime between 1540 to 1543, and who died on July 4 1623, William Byrd was organist of the Chapel Royal and composed many keyboard works, madrigals, psalms, masses and motets, some of which are still part of the repertoire of Anglican cathedrals. He's been called the English Palestrina, and Andrew Carwood himself defines Byrd in these terms: "If there is an English musician who comes close to Shakespeare in his consummate artistry, his control over so many genres and his ability to speak with emotional directness it must be William Byrd."

Here are but a few of some of the best recordings of his music to choose from:

INFELIX EGO - ANDREW CARWOOD (Conductor) - THE CARDINALL'S MUSICK
Hyperion CDA67779 - 034571177793 - 2010 Gramophone "Record of the Year"

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LAUDIBUS IN SANCTIS - ANDREW CARWOOD (Conductor) - THE CARDINALL'S MUSICK
Hyperion CDA67568 - 034571175683

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ASSUMPTA EST MARIA - ANDREW CARWOOD (Conductor) - THE CARDINALL'S MUSICK
Hyperion CDA67675 - 034571176758

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HODIE SIMON PETRUS - ANDREW CARWOOD (Conductor) - THE CARDINALL'S MUSICK
Hyperion CDA67653 - 034571176536

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THE COMPLETE KEYBOARD MUSIC - DAVITT MORONEY (Keyboards)
Harpsichord, Virginal, Chamber Organ, Clavichord, Church Organ
Hyperion CDS44461/7 - 034571144610 - Gramophone Award Winner - 7CD Set

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THE THREE MASSES - THE TALLIS SCHOLARS
Gimell CDGIM345 - 755138134522

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KEYBOARD WORKS - GUSTAV LEONHARDT (Harpsichord)
Alpha 073 - 3760014190735

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MY LADYE NEVELLS BOOKE - ELIZABETH FARR (Harpsichord)
3CD Set - Naxos 8.570139/41 - 0747313013975

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