The Gesualdo Six and Abendmusik will collaborate with creator Bill Barclay in a theatrical seance by candlelight, communing with some of the most ravishing music ever written, at St. Paul's Cathedral, Boston on October 31st to November 2nd. Co-commissioned by St. Martin-in-the-Fields and Washington National Cathedral, "Secret Byrd" promises to immerse audiences in the music and activism of William Byrd, in particular, his Mass for Five Voices.

Uncover the Secrets of a Forbidden Composer in this Captivating Performance

Bringing Byrd's Clandestine Compositions to Light

The upcoming "Secret Byrd" production promises to transport audiences back in time, immersing them in the world of William Byrd, a renowned English composer who faced brutal persecution for his Catholic faith. Byrd's Mass for Five Voices, a work of profound beauty and spiritual depth, was composed during a tumultuous era when the Latin Mass was banned and practicing Catholicism was a dangerous act of defiance.Through the collaborative efforts of The Gesualdo Six, Abendmusik, and visionary director Bill Barclay, this captivating performance will shed light on Byrd's courageous journey, inviting the audience to experience his music as it was intended – within the intimate, clandestine settings where it was first performed. The production's atmospheric, candlelit setting and immersive theatrical elements will transport attendees to the very heart of Byrd's world, allowing them to feel the weight of his struggle and the power of his artistic expression.

Exploring the Subversive Symbolism in Byrd's Music

Byrd's compositions were not merely beautiful works of art; they were also powerful acts of resistance against the religious oppression of his time. The program notes reveal that Byrd carefully selected texts with subtle, subversive meanings, such as the "gallows texts" – Latin psalms that symbolized the overcoming of enemies and the liberation of an allegorical Jerusalem. These coded messages allowed Byrd to express his faith and defy the authorities, even as he navigated the treacherous waters of a career as a recusant Catholic composer.The "Secret Byrd" production promises to unpack these layers of meaning, guiding the audience through Byrd's creative and spiritual journey. By exploring the intricate symbolism woven into his music, the performance will shed light on the composer's resilience and the enduring power of artistic expression in the face of oppression.

Immersive Theatrical Elements Bring Byrd's Story to Life

The "Secret Byrd" production is not merely a concert; it is a multifaceted, immersive theatrical experience that invites the audience to become active participants in Byrd's story. As attendees gather outside the performance space, members of The Gesualdo Six will welcome them and provide a glimpse into what they can expect, setting the stage for a truly captivating journey.Once inside, the audience will be encouraged to move around the space, listening and watching from different vantage points to fully immerse themselves in the performance. The use of incense, period-appropriate costumes, and other sensory elements will further transport the audience, evoking the atmosphere of Byrd's time and the clandestine settings in which his music was originally performed.The production's innovative blend of music, theater, and visual art promises to create a profound and transformative experience for the audience, allowing them to connect with Byrd's story on a deeper level and gain a greater appreciation for the power of artistic expression in the face of adversity.

Celebrating the Genius of William Byrd

At the heart of the "Secret Byrd" production is a celebration of the extraordinary musical genius of William Byrd. The Gesualdo Six, a renowned a cappella ensemble, and Abendmusik, a talented group of viol players, will come together to perform Byrd's Mass for Five Voices, a work that showcases the composer's mastery of form and his ability to imbue his music with profound emotional and spiritual resonance.The intimate and conversational nature of the Mass for Five Voices, with its short, expressive motifs and unexpected harmonic twists, will be expertly navigated by The Gesualdo Six, who have long been admirers of Byrd's music. The collaboration with Abendmusik, whose instruments evoke the sound world of Byrd's era, will further enhance the authenticity and immersive quality of the performance.Through this captivating production, audiences will have the opportunity to experience Byrd's music as it was intended – not merely as a historical artifact, but as a living, breathing expression of the human spirit, transcending the boundaries of time and place.