BYRD, WILLIAM

born 1543, Lincoln, Lincolnshire?, Eng. died July 4, 1623, Stondon Massey, Essex English organist and composer of the Shakespearean age who is best known for his development of the English madrigal. He also wrote virginal and organ music that elevated the English keyboard style. Additional reading The Collected Vocal Works of William Byrd, 2 vol., ed. by E.H. Fellowes (193750); and a more scholarly edition of the sacred works in vol. 2, 7, and 9 of Tudor Church Music (192128). See also Frank Howes, William Byrd (1928, reprinted 1978); E.H. Fellowes, William Byrd, 2nd ed. (1948); and Imogen Holst, Byrd (1972). Major Works: Roman Catholic church music Masses: Masses for three, four, and five voices. Motets: Motets for from three to nine voices in Cantiones Sacrae, 1575; Cantiones Sacrae, books 1 and 2, 1589 and 1591; Gradualia, two books, 1605 and 1607. Anglican church music. Anthems: More than 20 motets, for from three to six voices, and for solo voice and viols, most in Songs of sundrie natures, 1589; and in the collection Teares or Lamentations of a Sorrowful Soul of Sir William Leighton, 1614. Psalms: About 20 in Psalmes, Sonets, & songs of sadnes & pietie, 1588; and Songs of sundrie natures, 1589. Miscellaneous: Litany for four voices; two complete services; two magnificats and a Nunc Dimittis; prayers and responses. Songs and madrigals. Madrigals: About 50 madrigals in Psalmes, Sonets, & songs of sadnes & pietie, 1588; Songs of sundrie natures, 1589; Musica Transalpina, 1588; and The first sett of Italian Madrigalls, 1590. Songs: Songs for voices and viols in Songs of sundrie natures, 1589; and in Psalmes, Songs, & sonnets of sadnes & pietie, 1611; more than 30 for voices and instruments in manuscript; about 40 rounds and canons. Instrumental music Viols: Fantasias in three to six parts; In nomines; pavans and galliards. Keyboard: About 140 pieces for keyboard in Parthenia, manuscript collection written c. 1611; My Ladye Nevells Booke, manuscript collection written in 1591; The Fitzwilliam Virginal Book, manuscript collection written in c. 161219; and in Will Forster's Book, manuscript collection written in 1624.