The Cardinall’s Musick is a group of singers, directed by Andrew Carwood, dedicated to performing Renaissance music. At the moment they are touring the country giving programmes exclusively devoted to the sacred music of William Byrd, one of that era’s greatest composers.
Byrd was a Roman Catholic and all the music sung at Friday evening’s concert, held in the appropriate setting of St Bartholomew’s, was written for the Roman rite. The problem that Carwood and his group had to resolve was how to perform music, which was written to be sung liturgically in a small private chapel, to a large audience in a huge building.
The result was not entirely successful, though the second half consisting of shorter pieces came off better in the context of a concert performance. But the famous Mass For Four Voices made little impact, particularly when stodgily presented with the singers huddled together in their standard drab garb. Just as the gorgeous setting enhanced the splendour of the music, so richer and more colourful attire - plus a variety of groupings using the space at their disposal - would have helped give an extra dimension to the performance.
Also, St Bart’s has a very resonant acoustic which meant it was difficult to follow the intricate patterns of Byrd’s part-writing, particularly in the vigorous sections.
The Cardinall’s Musick should be careful their long-established reputation in this repertoire does not lead to complacency. Perhaps a rethink is necessary aimed at more imaginatively presenting the music they revere.
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