Byrd Watching: Exploring English Renaissance Polyphony

The founder and director of The Tallis Scholars, Peter Phillips returns to conduct the BBC Singers in a programme celebrating late Tudor and Renaissance English Polyphony. Centring around three composers, the BBC Singers perform the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis from William Byrd’s aptly named ‘Great Service’, alongside his motet in homage of Queen Elizabeth I, O Lord, make thy servant Elizabeth. Also featured are works by Thomas Weelkes and Orlando Gibbons, including one of his most famous madrigals, The Silver Swan.

Thomas Weelkes: Alleluia, I heard a voice
William Byrd: The Great Service: Magnificat
Orlando Gibbons: Hosanna to the Son of David
Thomas Weelkes: Hark, all ye lovely saints above
William Byrd: Tristitia et anxietas; Sed tu, Domine
Orlando Gibbons: O clap your hands
William Byrd: Prevent us, O Lord
Thomas Weelkes: O how amiable are thy dwellings
Orlando Gibbons: The silver swan
William Byrd: The Great Service: Nunc Dimittis
Thomas Weelkes: O Lord, arise
William Byrd: O Lord, make thy servant Elizabeth

BBC Singers
Peter Phillips - conductor