Will Forster's Viginal Book

Will Forsters Virginal Book Lessons by Mr Byrd &c. Will Forster was a London civil servant who amassed several properties in London, a harpsicall and a large chest of eight viols, which were distributed between his children when he died in 1645. However, this was not his only legacy since he also copied a book of 72 keyboard pieces, of which over a half is devoted to William Byrd, who died less than a year before the book was completed. Much of the Byrd content is unique to this volume, and Forsters sources appear to have been copies that were close to the composers prototypes. It is a mystery that none has thought to edit the manuscript before now. Nothing is known of the book between Forsters death and its appearance in the Royal Music Library under the title Lessons by Mr Bird &c and given to the State in the 1970s as a part of the newly formed British Library. Without Forsters help, we would be missing a large body of music unknown in other sources. It includes five grounds by Byrd and a host of pavans and galliards, Thomas Morleys Quadran Pavine, Byrds arrangement of Edward Johnsons Medley, keyboard intabulations and a host of other unique pieces. Will Forsters Virginal Book contains 417 pages of text and music, making it one of the more substantial books in the Lyrebird catalogue. Prefatory material looks at the manuscript, music and how the notation affects performance. This new publication marks the 400th Anniversary of Byrds death, and follows the same principles as the previous Lyrebird editions of The Fitzwilliam Virginal Book, My Ladye Nevells Booke, Parthenia and Parthenia In-violata.ISMN: 979-0-70667-07-13 One volume 413 pages total Edited by Jon Baxendale and Francis Knights The first-ever edition of a major source of English music for the virginals A handsome hardback book designed for years of use. Perfect for harpsichords, virginals, organs, clavichords or pianos.