Voices of Connection: 04/15 Byrd Miserere

Today, we share one of Byrd’s greatest motets, which means it is one of the greatest works by anyone in the late Renaissance. It is one of those pieces which draws you in immediately and keeps you in its world throughout its duration. During its journey we have moments of heart-felt pleading, others of tender confidence. One amazing moment starts around 1:00 where the pleading for forgiveness gets more intense. Then it comes to a peaceful cadence, followed by silence. When it begins again around 1:25, Byrd pivots to absolutely glowing new harmonies as the text describes a loving, forgiving God. What a truly extraordinary work!

– Dennis Keene, Artistic Director

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WILLIAM BYRD Miserere

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director

from the Delos recording From Chant to Renaissance ℗ 1995 Delos
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.

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