Episode 5

Available for 188 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 4 Feast of St Peter & St Paul, 1607. Byrd is keeping a low profile and continuing with his composition. He must finally confront his memories of Edmund Campion, the Catholic martyr under Elizabeth and his close friend, whose staunch faith led to torture and the scaffold. Written by D.J. Britton William Byrd ..... David Suchet Edmund Campion ..... Gunnar Cauthery 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.'