To Preserve the Health of Man by DJ Britton (Omnibus)

David Suchet stars as the English Renaissance composer William Byrd, 'The Father of English Music'.

In five imagined encounters, Byrd looks back at key influences in his life and work, as he composes his major liturgical work, the Gradualia, a collection of 109 pieces written for each of the feasts and events in the Church calendar.

It begins at Advent, 1603.

As a Catholic, Byrd enjoyed the patronage and protection of Elizabeth I but now, the early years of James I bring change and turbulence and a renewed threat to Catholics following the Reformation.

Byrd's wife, Juliana, convinces him not to be afraid and to continue with his composition.

Omnibus of five episodes written by DJ Britton.

William Byrd ..... David Suchet
Juliana Byrd ..... Sara Kestelman
Queen Elizabeth ..... Juliet Aubrey
Thomas Tallis ..... Philip Jackson
Edmund Campion ..... Gunnar Cauthery

Music performed by Odyssean Ensemble and recorded at the Chapel Royal, Tower of London

Music Director: Colm Carey

Sound: Nigel Lewis and Catherine Robinson

Director: Alison Hindell

A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 3, first broadcast in July 2021.