Composition -
O quam gloriosum
By William Byrd (1540 - 1623)
 Arranged By Peter Seibert 2022
 
S/A S/A A T B
 
 
This work is from the volume of Cantiones published in 1589, a period of Byrd’s most florid choral writing.  It abounds with melismas on individual syllables; these need to be played smoothly.  Although we think in terms of keys, that terminology was not in use at this time in history.  Nonetheless, Byrd is a master at moving smoothly between what we call F major and C major with some brief journeys into other keys in the Secunda pars
 
As in many of Byrd’s works, the parts overlap ranges, and the piece will sound best using just the indicated instruments, i.e., without using great bass or contrabass, which would compromise some of the vertical relationships.  The work takes about 5:30 at the tempo I’ve suggested. 
-- Peter Seibert
 
 
 
No. of Recorder Parts:
5
Difficulty:
Moderate
Occasion:
Any
Libraries:
Arrangements and Transcriptions
Date Added:
11/27/2022
Style:
Renaissance/Baroque/Classical