With Lilies White - Byrd’s Consort Songs and Music for Viols

July 4th will mark the 400th anniversary of William Byrd’s passing. After last week’s release of polyphonies by the Hilliard Ensemble, here comes a new album dedicated to vernacular profane music: soloist songs accompanied by a viol consort, with a general mourning tone as it includes mostly elegies, for instance on the death of Byrd’s master Thomas Tallis. It also highlights the British Renaissance tradition of instrumental music for viols, with the complete five In nomine. Sung by Gérard accompanied by an ensemble led by Wieland Kuijken, this is assuredly un unmissable recording of Byrd’s discography!