William Byrd - Mass for Three Voices Motet - Gloria Tibi, Domine Edward Elgar - O Salutaris Hostia

This Sunday, 1st November - Solemnity of All Saints - choristers from Brentwood Cathedral will sing during 11.30am Mass. As congregational singing is not permitted during the pandemic (small groups of professional are) this will be a welcome and ennobling addition to the Mass. They will sing music of William Byrd (1543-1623 ) who lived and worked as a musician close to us here, at Ingatestone Hall. This music, composed for the Mass during penal times, is a reminder of the continued desire of Catholics to have beautiful music for the worship of God. It also reminds us of the sacrifices of our forebears who risked everything so that the Mass and Sacraments could be celebrated during those of years of persecution.