Byrd's fantasies display varied forms, alternating imitative sections with toccata, canzone, or dance sequences, sometimes even using multiple tonalities simultaneously within a single phrase.
Composition History
In 1575, Byrd and Thomas Tallis were granted a 21-year monopoly on the printing and sale of polyphonic music and manuscript paper, though their first publication, Cantiones, sold poorly.
Composer Biography
William Byrd, born around 1540, received his musical training at the Chapel Royal, learning organ from Thomas Tallis and composition from Richard Bower.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Byrd's music, while observing European developments, is marked by strong individuality and fundamentally renewed indigenous traditions, especially in his instrumental music.
Historical Context
Despite the official prohibition of Catholic mass in Elizabethan England, Queen Elizabeth I tolerated the Catholic faith of some Chapel Royal members, including Byrd and Dowland, valuing their musical quality.
Instruments
The historical organ at Oosthuizen, dating from around 1521, is believed to be an amalgamation of several older instruments, with parts potentially from the early 15th century.
Historical Context
During Byrd's time, the Chapel Royal was a school of musicians responsible for the musical adornment of royal religious services, first mentioned in 1135.
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