William Byrd’s composition The Bells

by John R Ketteringham

 

I was very interested in Steve Coleman’s article which was published in issue 5095/6 pp 1323-5.

William Byrd’s first professional appointment was as organist and choirmaster at Lincoln Cathedral in 1563 when he would be in his early 20s.

At that time there was a ring of five bells with a tenor weighing about 36 cwt in the South-west tower of the cathedral, and another ring of five bells in the central tower.

In 1617 the accounts record the payment of 12d for making stays and in 1619 a new stay was made for the fifth bell. So these bells appear to have been rung full circle.

The published rules for ringing at the cathedral date from 1260, and give very precise instructions as to how the bells are to be rung. It seems clear that the cathedral bells were always sounded in order and never clashed together.

Byrd remained at Lincoln for nine years and it seems very probable that his interest in bells was kindled during this time especially as there seems to have been quite a close relationship between the cathedral organist and the bellringers.

In 1595 there is evidence that there was a secular body of bellringers at the cathedral and in 1612 this company of ringers was formalised by Letters Patent.

There are no fewer than 38 people listed in the Schedule as being members of the Companie of Ringers.

There are also 6 Assistants to the Company one of whom is Thomas Stanley Master of the Coristers.

On the wall of the Ringers Chapel there is a list of members of the company and George Holms Organist is named as Master in 1714.

Byrd may well have composed the basis of what was to become The Bells whilst in Lincoln, but after moving to London and hearing the many more rings of bells of different weights and number he completed his earlier work.

There is a very good recording of The Bells here

Created: 27/01/2009 (acah)