To Preserve the Health of Man - William Byrd 9.i.2022

[ardcarp]

OK I stand corrected about priest-holes! The few I've seen were smaller. Is the one pictured above soundproof too? I still find it hard to believe that the rituals of the Mass, including the music, were done in such cramped conditions. Surely, the 'holes' were intended to hide a recusant priest when the 'authorities' came knocking at the door?

[Miles Coverdale]

I have to admit to fighting back the tears during Ye Sacred Muses (Tallis is Dead). A viol consort plus a straight solo voice often has that effect on me, so no surprise. Does anyone know which countertenor and which viol consort was involved?

It's Michael Chance with Fretwork, recorded in 1989. It now seems only to be available as a download.

[AuntDaisy]

OK I stand corrected about priest-holes! The few I've seen were smaller. Is the one pictured above soundproof too? I still find it hard to believe that the rituals of the Mass, including the music, were done in such cramped conditions. Surely, the 'holes' were intended to hide a recusant priest when the 'authorities' came knocking at the door?

Yes, I always thought they were smaller as well. The one in the CFM video seems to include a spiral staircase.

[ardcarp]

Thanks, MC. I sort of guessed Fretwork, but it is good to be reminded of how good Michael's voice was in those days. We heard him live at the Holywell Music Room around that time. My youngest daughter was about 9 then, and she was so entranced by his voice that she asked for (and got) his autograph after the concert.

[Vox Humana]

I've just listened to the play and was totally absorbed by it. A brilliant job by the playwright merging fact with a (mainly excellent) script...not easy.
The musical interpolations were just right too. I have to admit to fighting back the tears during Ye Sacred Muses (Tallis is Dead). A viol consort plus a straight solo voice often has that effect on me, so no surprise. Does anyone know which countertenor and which viol consort was involved? The Odyssean Ensemble was billed as providing the music, but there was nothing specific mentioned about that item.

Two tiny bits of the script jumped out at me as not being quite right. Firstly it was said that Byrd's secret Catholic Masses were 'sung in a priest hole'. If anyone has seen a priest-hole, that seems unlikely! Its function was to hide a priest, usually in a very small hidden recess, not to celebrate Mass. The second was the manipulating of a well-known saw, thus, "Polyphony is the Mother of Invention". It didn't quite make sense to me. The other way round would have been better, but I'm just quibbling over a very minor detail.

It was a great idea for a play, and very well done. Thanks to all concerned.

It's Michael Chance with Fretwork, recorded in 1989. It now seems only to be available as a download.

I have to say that that was, by some margin, the most moving performance of this work that I have ever heard. I think the speed had a lot to do with it - and the beautiful singing, of course.

As for priest holes, you might squeeze some singers into them, but I doubt you'd get a congregation too. I'm sure ardcarp is right: they were bolt holes for when the Protestant authorities came knocking.

[ardcarp]

It's Michael Chance with Fretwork, recorded in 1989. It now seems only to be available as a download.

I notice Mrs A has tracked down a 'pre-owned' CD online. I'm not supposed to know because I guess it's going to be a birthday surprise in a couple of weeks' time.

[AuntDaisy]

It's Michael Chance with Fretwork, recorded in 1989. It now seems only to be available as a download.

I notice Mrs A has tracked down a 'pre-owned' CD online. I'm not supposed to know because I guess it's going to be a birthday surprise in a couple of weeks' time.

A very clever lady and happy birthday in advance.

Is it also on this "Goe Nightly Cares" Virgin double CD?
I loved the "T. Linden-Fermor" Amazon review...

The lady on the front looks like she has sat on some nettles and been told "don't scream just yet until I have finished with the oils"

[Rolmill]

Is it also on this "Goe Nightly Cares" Virgin double CD?

Yes it is (I have this set - it's a lovely pair of discs).

[ardcarp]

I think that's the one I'm not supposed to know about. It also has Byrd's Lullaby, another of my absolute favourites, so there won't be a dry eye in the house...