Evento

Byrd Song: Consort Music of William Byrd

William Byrd was one of the greatest composers in Tudor England, admired by Elizabeth I, in spite of his Roman Catholic faith. Internationally renowned viol player Mary Springfels joins La Follia in performing works by Byrd and his contemporaries. It is exotic music from a fascinating era, historically and musically. Meredith Ruduski, Kate Shuldiner and Karen Burciaga also guest star.

If you have never heard the exotic sound of a full consort of viols, this is your best (perhaps only) chance in Austin this season. Like violins or mandolins, the viol is a complete family of string instruments, from treble to bass, which were extremely popular through the early 1700's. Byrd and his contemporaries in England, such as Tallis, Laws, and Gibbons, were master composers for this ensemble. Of particular interest are the lovely, intricate consort songs, wherein all the parts of the consort interplay with the sung melody.

This is music of great serenity, yet it seethes with a quiet intensity. Be prepared to be transported.