Rorate caeli — William Byrd’s music for Advent in the Gradualia
A live talk for the North West Early Music Forum
William Byrd’s last two publications, the Gradualia of 1605 and 1607, are a summation of his skill: mercurial, concise and utterly beautiful settings of the texts required to celebrate Catholic Mass on all the important days of the year.
In a year like no other, NWEMF marks the start of Advent with this live online talk by David Allinson. For this seasonal talk (open to all) David will look at Byrd’s motets for Advent: Rorate caeli, Tollite portas, Ave Maria and Ecce Virgo concipiet.
Scores will be sent round electronically in advance, and participants are encouraged to mark up the music as David explores their texts, structure and expressive power. Although it won’t be possible to sing together, you will be able to sing along, muted, when the music is played; there will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
Members of NWEMF can attend for free and will have five days’ priority booking. For everyone else, booking costs £5. Book using the form here.