
Byrd: Pescodd Time / Cuiller
I discovered the music of the English virginalists at the age of fifteen, when I heard a concert by Pierre Hantaï on the radio. It was a revelation. I had no idea a musical world like that even existed. I immediately went to play some of these pieces to Pierre Hantaï himself. That was my first approach to this repertory on the keyboard. Then the process of familiarization with it – like the progress of a relationship that gradually becomes more intimate – took place over ten years or so, until 2004, when I began a long period of preparation for this recording. The King’s Hunt and the In Nomine by Bull, The Queen’s Alman by Byrd and the Dolorosa of Philips – which you might describe as constant companions of mine – formed the basis of the program. Then I played my way through the entire output of Byrd and Bull so as to build the rest of it around them. I absolutely wanted to record on the Martin Skowroneck virginal belonging to Skip Sempé. I was also lucky that Philippe Humeau had just finished his Ruckers double transposing harpsichord, a magnifi cent and rare instrument, which guided some of my choices. The English repertory is very extensive. It was a true pleasure to have to select pieces from so many marvels.
I decided on the title Pescodd Time after the recording was finished. It was the ideal title for this album: it speaks of time – ‘the pea-gathering season’ in Elizabethan English – and it encapsulates the poetry and mystery of the Virginalists."
- Bertrand Cuiller
I discovered the music of the English virginalists at the age of fifteen, when I heard a concert by Pierre Hantaï on the radio. It was a revelation. I had no idea a musical world like that even existed. I immediately went to play some of these pieces to Pierre Hantaï himself. That was my first approach to this repertory on the keyboard. Then the process of familiarization with it – like the progress of a relationship that gradually becomes more intimate – took place over ten years or so, until 2004, when I began a long period of preparation for this recording. The King’s Hunt and the In Nomine by Bull, The Queen’s Alman by Byrd and the Dolorosa of Philips – which you might describe as constant companions of mine – formed the basis of the program. Then I played my way through the entire output of Byrd and Bull so as to build the rest of it around them. I absolutely wanted to record on the Martin Skowroneck virginal belonging to Skip Sempé. I was also lucky that Philippe Humeau had just finished his Ruckers double transposing harpsichord, a magnifi cent and rare instrument, which guided some of my choices. The English repertory is very extensive. It was a true pleasure to have to select pieces from so many marvels.
I decided on the title Pescodd Time after the recording was finished. It was the ideal title for this album: it speaks of time – ‘the pea-gathering season’ in Elizabethan English – and it encapsulates the poetry and mystery of the Virginalists."
- Bertrand Cuiller
Original: $8.99
-65%$8.99
$3.15Description
I discovered the music of the English virginalists at the age of fifteen, when I heard a concert by Pierre Hantaï on the radio. It was a revelation. I had no idea a musical world like that even existed. I immediately went to play some of these pieces to Pierre Hantaï himself. That was my first approach to this repertory on the keyboard. Then the process of familiarization with it – like the progress of a relationship that gradually becomes more intimate – took place over ten years or so, until 2004, when I began a long period of preparation for this recording. The King’s Hunt and the In Nomine by Bull, The Queen’s Alman by Byrd and the Dolorosa of Philips – which you might describe as constant companions of mine – formed the basis of the program. Then I played my way through the entire output of Byrd and Bull so as to build the rest of it around them. I absolutely wanted to record on the Martin Skowroneck virginal belonging to Skip Sempé. I was also lucky that Philippe Humeau had just finished his Ruckers double transposing harpsichord, a magnifi cent and rare instrument, which guided some of my choices. The English repertory is very extensive. It was a true pleasure to have to select pieces from so many marvels.
I decided on the title Pescodd Time after the recording was finished. It was the ideal title for this album: it speaks of time – ‘the pea-gathering season’ in Elizabethan English – and it encapsulates the poetry and mystery of the Virginalists."
- Bertrand Cuiller
















