Episode 2

Available for 185 days

David Suchet stars as the English Renaissance composer William Byrd, 'The Father of English Music'. In five imagined encounters, Byrd looks back at key influences in his life and work, as he composes his major liturgical work, the Gradualia, a collection of 109 pieces written for each of the feasts and events in the Church calendar. Episode 2 Easter 1604. Byrd reflects on the careful line he has walked between political pragmatism and adherence to his faith and his inspiration. Queen Elizabeth protected and rewarded him but not without some compromise on his part. Written by D.J. Britton William Byrd ..... David Suchet Queen Elizabeth ..... Juliet Aubrey Music performed by Odyssean Ensemble and recorded at the Chapel Royal, Tower of London Music Director, Colm Carey Sound, Nigel Lewis and Catherine Robinson Directed by Alison Hindell BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 3 The title is from a quote by William Byrd: 'The exercise of singing is delightful to nature, and good to preserve the health of man.'