Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of William Byrd's "Renaissance Sleep," a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of choral, classical, and Gregorian chant traditions. This album, set for release on July 2, 2025, under the UME - Global Clearing House label, offers a profound exploration of Byrd's mastery, spanning a diverse range of compositions that showcase his unparalleled skill and artistic depth.
With a duration of 1 hour and 31 minutes, "Renaissance Sleep" is a meticulously curated collection that includes both well-known works and lesser-known gems. From the hauntingly beautiful "Flow my Tears" to the intricate "Ricercare secundo," each track is a testament to Byrd's ability to blend sacred and secular themes with remarkable finesse. The album also features live performances, such as the stirring "Flow, my tears (Arr. for Cello and Guitar)" and the enchanting "I Saw My Lady Weep (Arr. for Guitar & String Quartet) - Live at Liszt Academy, Budapest, 2018," adding a dynamic layer to the listening experience.
Byrd's compositions, characterized by their intricate polyphony and emotional resonance, are brought to life with exquisite precision. The album's choral pieces, including "Christe Redemptor omnium" and "Veni Creator Spiritus," highlight the grandeur of Renaissance choral music, while the instrumental works, such as "Sir Robert Sidney His Galliard" and "Lady Rich, Her Galliard," showcase Byrd's virtuosity in instrumental composition.
"Renaissance Sleep" is not just an album; it is a celebration of William Byrd's enduring legacy and a testament to the timeless beauty of Renaissance music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an enriching and deeply satisfying listening experience.
Corde Natus Ex ParentisAnonymous, VOCES8, Christian Forshaw
Ave donna santissimaTraditional, Linn Andrea Fuglseth
Nu vilar hela jordenTraditional, Anna Maria Friman
Den signete dagTraditional, Torunn Ostrem Ossum
Plainchant for Vespers I (Recollectio festorum beate Marie virginis): Responsorium: Surge propera, columba meaGuillaume Dufay, Kurt-Owen Richards, Mark Duer, Peter Stewart, Jeffrey Johnson, Alexander Blachly
Venite a laudareTraditional, Anna Maria Friman
Lauda novellaTraditional, Torunn Ostrem Ossum
Hymnus "Veni Creator Spiritus"Traditional, Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz
Lady Rich, Her GalliardJohn Dowland, Nigel North
Christe Redemptor omnium - Hymnus ad Vesperas tempore Nativitatis DominiAnonymous, Choralschola der Wiener Hofburgkapelle, Hubert Dopf S.J.
A QuestionTobias Hume, Anja Lechner
Veni Creator SpiritusJuliette Pochin, James Morgan, Poor Clare Sisters Arundel
Kyrie V - Kyrie magnae Deus potentiae, Vat. V/In Nativitate Domini ad Missam in dieAnonymous, Choralschola der Wiener Hofburgkapelle, Hubert Dopf S.J.
Puer qui natus est nobis - Introitus/In Nativitate Domini ad Missam in dieAnonymous, Choralschola der Wiener Hofburgkapelle, Hubert Dopf S.J.
Ad Completorium: Hymnus "Te lucis ante terminum"Traditional, Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz