In the next issue of Gramophone – available from April 16 – we'll be going behind the scenes of the new recording by Alamire of William Byrd's 1588 Collection of 'Psalmes, Sonets & songs', the first time the collection has been recorded in its entirety.

Today's film was made during those sessions, which took place in the grounds of Holdenby House, once the largest private house in Elizabethan England and owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, the Collection's patron. Watch Alamire's founder and Music Director David Skinner as he introduces the music and its fascinating history. 

The album, which as well as Alamire also features soprano Grace Davidson, mezzo Martha McLorinan, tenor Nicholas Todd and acclaimed viol consort Fretwork, is released next Friday, April 2, on Inventa Records.