Consort Songs Z/Viols
SKU: ST.B351
ISBN 9790220203084.
Of madrigals and partsongs, Volume 16 of the Byrd Edition contains the six items not included in the printed sets of 1588, 1589 and 1611 (distinguished by the lack of obligatory instrumental accompaniments); of the consort songs, the original versions of consort songs that were subsequently arranged as madrigals; and of canons and rounds, the two that can without doubt be attributed to the composer.
SKU: ST.B362
ISBN 9790220202872.
Though Byrd's In nomine settings for consort were probably the first of his works to circulate widely, the dating of his consort music in general is problematical. The famous 'Browning' variations are probably an early display of the composer's mastery of the form. The only complete Fantasia a 4 is found in the Psalmes, Songs & Sonnets of 1611. Two other examples are reconstructed from fragmentary sources, and appear in this volume with hymn-settings and Misereres, two pavans and a galliard.
SKU: ST.B374
ISBN 9790220220432.
Only the third book of English songs ever known to have been published, Psalmes, Sonets & Songs appeared thirteen years after Byrd's first collaborative) venture into print with the Cantiones of 1575. In contrast to the earlier production, it was a considerable success, being reprinted several times. Its contents, consisting mainly of consort songs adapted for five voices, were perhaps intended to capitalise on the new vogue for the madrigal. Included in the prefatory matter are the composer's well-known reasons for 'every one to learne to singe'. Two funeral songs of Sir Philip Sidney and the famous Lullaby, for which the collection acquired the title of 'Byrd's Lullaby', are to be found among the 35 songs.
SKU: ST.B375
ISBN 9790220220449.
Published in 1589, following the successful issue of Psalmes, Sonets and Songs the previous year, Songs of Sundrie Natures is a more diverse collection than its predecessor. Though the contents include one consort song in its original form, they contain a relative dearth of adaptations of this genre for unaccompanied voices. In contrast, there is arguably a higher percentage of recently composed works and 'sundrie' material, including two carols, the very fine verse anthem Christ rising again, and two chanson-like pieces, Susanna fair and The Nightingale, probably written in 'friendly aemulation' with Ferrabosco.
