How wonderful to hear harpsichords being played in SMSG. As Geoffrey and Laurence suggested, these may have been the actual sounds that Elizabeth would have listened to and danced to! This celebratory concert of the music of William Byrd, on the actual date of the 400th anniversary of his death, was a pleasure indeed to witness. 
The intricacies and clarity of the instruments played by Geoffrey and Laurence were very special indeed. We heard Pavan and Galliard a 6 and Fantasia No 2 a 6, both by William Byrd. Then came the wonderful Concerto in C major by JS Bach, full of ringing and dancing bells and contrasting interplay between the harpsichords.
The beautiful music of Bach and Finzi on pianos began the second half, Ricercar and Eclogue respectively. The evening concluded with Geoffrey’s own composition Belfry, the first long awaited complete public performance. A set of 15 pieces - a musical offering, inspired by Bach’s collection. We were privileged to hear this in its entirety for the first time. 
Many thanks to Geoffrey and Laurence for coming up with this idea for a concert on this day.
04-07-23
