SECRET MASSES

When in 1534 the Act of Supremacy was issued by King Henry VIII, the English Church split from Rome and became an independent state-church. With the introduction of the Edwardian Book of Common Prayer, the state-church received an explicit Protestant character. William Byrd, a Catholic who was for a mere part of his life employed by the Court, would closely experience the effects of the political events. Ca. 1580 the persecution of Christians had severe consequences. Many important Catholics were being executed.

These events did not withhold Byrd from composing several Catholic masses. This music was to be performed though in highly secrecy. Leaving from this clandestine atmosphere, BL!NDMAN presents you its Byrd-program.