Byrd: Motets

William Byrd wrote many motets of fervent passion and power for clandestine use in Roman Catholic households during private services. In his final lap as Music Director at King’s College, Stephen Cleobury selected 19 motets for this recording and, with his world-famous choir, engages all the expected trademarks: full tone, pin-point intonation and an energy that’s almost physical. These are pieces of unshakeable belief and the King’s choir sing them in the same spirit. Four motets are given by the choral scholars alone, who bring a staggering virtuosity to this complex music.