William Byrd

Some common knowledge about William Byrd

• William Byrd was born in 1543 in Lincolnshire.
• He had a professional relationship with Thomas Tallis. Together they published Cantiones Sacrae in 1575.
• Even though he was protestant, he worked with the Catholic church.
• Byrd influenced later composers such as Palestrina.

definitions:

motet: a sacred piece of music(heard in the church normally), usually polyphonic(having many voices)

madrigal: a multiple part song, many madrigals use immitation

More information about William Byrd;

He became the organist at Lincoln Cathedral in 1563.

He joined the choir of the Chapel Royal in 1570.

He became the organist for the Chapel Royal in 1575, but was not required to perform.

Byrd was the first composer of English madrigals. Two of his motets, "Domine, ne irascaris" and "Civitas sancti tui", with English texts, are in the repertoire of most Anglican cathedrals.

Byrd had five(or six, one may have died yound) children.

William Byrd died in 1623.

In his will he proclaimed himself a loyal Catholic.

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