Encyclopedia of the Renaissance and the Reformation

(Bozica Vekic) #1

riod are his three MASSsettings and the two-volume Grad-
ualia (1605, 1607). He died at Stondon Massey, Essex,
where he had spent the last 30 years of his life.
Byrd is chiefly remembered for his church music, no-
tably his verse anthems (a form that he may have in-
vented) and music for the Anglican service. Byrd’s Latin
motets, frequently with words lamenting a captive people,
may have been composed as a solace to the persecuted
Catholic community. The three-, four-, and five-part
Masses are in a simple style with little word repetition and


a restricted use of polyphony. Byrd was also well regarded
for his keyboard music, including grounds, descriptive
pieces, variations, pavans, and galliards. His best-known
collection is the manuscript “My Ladye Nevells Booke”
(1591).
Further reading: Gustave Reese, The New Grove High
Renaissance Masters: Josquin, Palestrina, Lassus, Byrd, Vic-
toria (London: Macmillan, 1984).

Byzantium See CONSTANTINOPLE

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