Gradualia specialises in the music of the renaissance period. Our particular abilities lie in performing the music of William Byrd and Robert Whyte. Following a season of concerts based around the performance of large-scale renaissance Mass settings such as de Rore's Missa Praeter rerum seriem in venues such as Magdalen College Chapel and Douai Abbey, the group went on to give performances exploring the music of 16th Century Europe, and three centuries of English music. See the Concert Diary and Previous Events pages for further information. The choir is also available to provide music for weddings, or other events. Please contact info@gradualia.co.uk for further information. Between 29th June and 2nd July Gradualia were on tour in the North of England, giving successful concerts in Greystoke Church, near Penrith, Cumbria and in the Lady Chapel of York Minster.
Plans for 2004 include a concert featuring music from Renaissance Spain and Mexico; a performance of large scale works from the Eton Choirbook, and a return visit to Douai Abbey. Provisional details are shown on the Concert Diary page.
Gradualia has recently recorded a CD containing a selection of the repertoire covered during the past year. If you would like a copy, priced £10 including postage and packaging, please email info@gradualia.co.uk.
Gradualia takes its name from William Byrd’s two volume cycle of Mass Propers for throughout the Church year. These two books were published in the early years of the 17th Century, during a time of serious religious unrest; there is even a record of someone being arrested for possessing a Gradualia part book. In 1610, when the religious climate was more relaxed, both books were reissued.
Past repertoire from the Continental and English Schools is listed on the linked pages.