Although composer William Byrd lived from 1540-1623, hearing and seeing it performed in this format seems absolutely perfect because it highlights the individual parts each performer contributes to the whole. This Beautiful Music — YE SACRED MUSES — is an elegy Byrd wrote on the death of his friend and mentor, Thomas Tallis. This performance amongst friends, presented on October 10th, 2020, features soprano Sherezade Panthaki, viol and viol players Mélisande Corriveau, Rebecca Reed, Arnie Tanimoto, andl Patricia Ann Neely. Their playing is so captivating that I’ve also included the Fantasia #1 by Byrd for your enjoyment.
William Byrd: Ye Sacred Muses – YouTube
William Byrd: Fantasia no. 1 in 4 Parts – YouTube