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Tom & Will – Weelkes & Byrd 400 Years
William Byrd - Thomas Weelkes

Tom & Will – Weelkes & Byrd 400 Years

The King's Singers | Fretwork

Label: Signum Classics
Format: CD
Barcode: 0635212073124
barcode
Catalog number: SIGCD 731
Releasedate: 13-01-23

- As part of this project, The King’s Singers and Fretwork have commissioned two new works for their joint forces, by two of Britain’s great living composers: Sir James MacMillan and Roderick Williams. 
- Macmillan had never written for Viols before, first time.
- Celebrate Byrd and Weelkes secular music (not sacred, which is more widely known)
- Focussing on secular music (homes and pubs) informal, experimental. Rarely performed, some pieces never recorded before. Both Byrd and Weelkes were mavericks with crazy colourful stories. Both had a good sense of humour, comedy madrigals etc. usually quite serious so showing a different side to the two composers.
- Experimental with the way it’s performed - some are pizz’d the whole way through. Added words to a piece that used to be for viols, creative and improvisatory - bringing the music to life. 

400 years ago, in 1623, England lost two of its greatest composers: William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes. In a pro- gramme marking this double anniversary, The King’s Singers and Fretwork turn their focus to the bold personalities of these two men, Will and Tom. Featuring well-known gems by the two composers, alongside works which had never been recorded before and which are rarely heard live, Tom and Will unlocks some of the humanity behind these two giants of Elizabethan music. Presented in The King’s Singers’ unique style, this programme is filled with beauty, drama and storytelling.

As part of this project, The King’s Singers and Fretwork have commissioned two new works for their joint forces, by two of Britain’s great living composers: Sir James MacMillan and Roderick Williams. These works only feature in the version performed by The King’s Singers and Fretwork, but represent a commitment to keeping the spirit of Byrd and Weelkes alive in today’s musical landscape.