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Study day William Byrd

Saturday November 18, 2023, 10.00 - 17.00 h, Culemborg

On July 4 of this year it is 400 years ago that William Byrd died, at the very advanced age of 82 or 83 years. He was a prolific composer of vocal polyphony: Latin motets and masses, English anthems, madrigals and consort songs. But he also wrote a great amount of instrumental music: music both for gamba consort and for keyboard (virginal or harpsichord). He almost single-handedly placed the keyboard music of the time on a level comparable to the vocal tradition of the time. And with close to a hundred often quite elaborate pieces (fantasias, variations, grounds, pavans, galliards and other dances), he was not only the founder, but also by far the most important representative of the English Virginalist school.

We can indeed regard him as the first great composer for our instrument, the equal of later figures such as Sweelinck, Frescobaldi, Froberger, Couperin, Bach and Scarlatti. Every reason to pay attention to him this year by means of a study day! The day will consist of an introductory lecture, public lessons and a recital.

Saturday November 18, 2023, Oudkatholieke Kerk (Varkensmarkt), Culemborg, 10.00 - 17.00 h.

You can register via: ruud@pilon.nl

William Byrd

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William Byrd