William Byrd was undoubtedly the greatest English composer of his time, fully equal to his continental contemporaries Palestrina, Lassus and Victoria … what is also remarkable is that Byrd, a Roman Catholic in a Protestant country, should see most of his church music published during his lifetime. This splendid collection of Byrd’s most important sacred music, recorded in Hereford Cathedral with their choir conducted by Geraint Bowen, breaks from the recent trend toward using small vocal ensembles in this repertoire, with greatly atmospheric and colorful results. This recording, first issued on Griffin Records, returns to international availability on Alto.
“Hail to Hereford – how superbly they convey Byrd’s mastery!”
-Gramophone
