Launching on Monday 5 January 2026: join Choir of the Earth and The Gesualdo Six for this one-of-a-kind choral course to learn William Byrd’s Mass For Five Voices… with one the world’s leading Renaissance vocal ensembles!
What we will learn
In this course, we will learn and record William Byrd’s stunning Mass for Five Voices, one of the great masterpieces of the English Renaissance. With its flowing polyphony, rich harmonies and quiet intensity, this work is a beautiful and moving challenge for singers - and we are delighted to be offering a full online course running over 7 weeks to help you explore and perform it in depth.
Introducing The Gesualdo Six
This is also a landmark collaboration. We are so proud to be working with world-renowned vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six, whose recordings and performances of early music are loved by audiences and critics around the world.
Known internationally for their immersive concert, Secret Byrd, their exclusive involvement in this project is a huge honour for Choir of the Earth, and a rare opportunity for singers to learn directly from some of the finest interpreters of this music today.
The Gesualdo Six will create exclusive new recordings to serve as our guide tracks for this course, helping you learn the piece and prepare your own recording.
In addition, they will provide exclusive videos to help singers hone their performance and perfect their Renaissance style.
About the composer
William Byrd (c. 1540–1623) was one of the most influential composers of the English Renaissance. Living at a time of religious turmoil, Byrd was a Catholic writing music under a Protestant monarchy - a complex situation that deeply shaped his work. His music combines remarkable technical skill with powerful emotional expression.
Among his most admired pieces are his three settings of the Latin Mass (for three, four, and five voices), which were likely written for private worship by Catholic communities. These Masses are celebrated for their spiritual intensity, beauty, and quiet defiance in the face of religious persecution.
A little about the piece
Byrd’s Mass for Five Voices is a setting of the traditional Latin Mass, including the main sections: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei. It is written for an unaccompanied choir divided into five voice parts: Soprano, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass (SSATB). Each vocal line is woven together in a flowing, interlocking style known as polyphony - where multiple melodies are sung at the same time, creating a rich, layered texture.
While the music is intricately crafted, it remains clear and expressive - ideal for singers wanting to explore Renaissance vocal music. Though composed over 400 years ago, Byrd’s Mass for Five Voices still speaks to listeners today with its timeless beauty and emotional depth.
Hear The Gesualdo Six perform the Sanctus and Benedictus from this Mass here:
Our teaching and resources
Our online courses are designed to be flexible and welcoming. You will get:
A full choir rehearsal each week of the course, led by our Musical Director, Ben England
A sectional rehearsal for your voice part (soprano, alto, tenor or bass) each week, with the option to attend any others you like - learn and record as many voice parts as you like, or just come along to enjoy the music and live chat
Rehearsal tracks recorded by professional singers - for this course by the fantastic Fieri Consort
The option to record and submit your own recordings, which will be combined with singers around the world to create a final mixed performance
At the end of the course, our global recording will be premiered on YouTube as a concert - a celebration of what we have learned and created together.
You don’t need any previous choral experience to take part in our courses - just a love of singing and a way to get online.
Our custom score and innovative learning tools mean you will learn this stunning music in a depth you don’t get with any other choir.
ℹ️ Find out more about how Choir of the Earth works here.
Be part of it
Our course launch session on Monday 5 January 2026 will be open to all, so please come along to hear more about the music and how the course will work.
If you would like to sing Byrd’s Mass for Five Voices with Choir of the Earth and The Gesualdo Six, simply sign up as a member of COTE below. Sign up for an annual membership to enjoy the rest of our 2025/26 programme too, plus save 10% across the year!
We hope to sing with you soon!
Please note: This course is not eligible for our ‘first month free’ offer. Members will need an active subscription for the full duration of the course.
Hear Choir of the Earth perform more works from this era:
Disclaimer: While we make every effort to ensure that courses proceed on the dates and with the content advertised, unforeseen circumstances may require changes on occasion. We endeavour to minimise such alterations, but we reserve the right to make adjustments if necessary.