Shortlisted for the Gramophone Early Music Award

***** Exceptional Album

“… As we have come to expect from the Sixteen, the performances are of a dazzling technical standard… admirers of Byrd will not want to be without it.”

“…Conceived for three, four, five or six parts, the music does indeed offer enormous variety, not only in mood, but in style, and Harry Christophers and The Sixteen have patently relished the opportunity to give top-notch performances for what is surprisingly the first complete recording of this major milestone in English music… In addition to accompanying the consort songs, viol consort Fretwork perform the collection’s two solo fantasias with customary elegance… “ ****½

“As ever with Harry Christophers and the Sixteen, precision of diction and balance is no barrier to warmth and emotion on this lovely recording... The sublime Praise Our Lord All Ye Gentiles is among the many highlights, as are the two fantasias, on which Fretwork’s ensemble playing is a joy.” ****

Recording of the Month

“…This is a landmark release finally addressing one of the most obvious oversights in Byrd’s recorded catalogue. It’s an exquisite album of unparalleled beauty that will bear repeated listening long past the anniversary year …”

Performance ****      Recording ****

“… The choir is at its best in the full choral works such as the anthem ‘Turn Our Captivity’ where they impressively shape and unfold the music. The solo singers shone particularly in the verse anthem ‘Have Mercy Upon Me’ (Katy Hill), and also in the psalm setting ‘Sing Ye To Our Lord’ 9ALexanfer Kidgell, Emilia Morton, Jeremy Budd) where they expertly engage with the dance rhythms, the imitative dialogue and the joyous mood… this is a significant and welcome addition to Byrd’s recorded output.”

Album of the Week