These nine motets from Byrd's Cantiones Sacrae of 1589
comprise about half of the music in publication. The Cantiones of 1589 are
all for five voices and were issued in four partbooks, a separate
book for each voice-part. The works do not follow any liturgical
scheme; the words are freely chosen from a variety of sources.
Only a few texts express praise and rejoicing; the majority are
of a more sombre cast, speaking of sorrow and trouble and
pleading for divine help.
Recorded in New College Chapel
9-11 July 1983
Playing time : 49'24" DDD
Reviews
"This pioneering record, first issued in 1984, champions some
of Byrd's most exquisitely formed and passionate music"
The Gramophone
