William Byrd, composer

Born: 1543 in Lincoln, England

Died: 1623 in Stondon Massey, Essex

Considered by many: the greatest English composer of any age, and his substantial volume of high quality compositions in every genre of the time makes it easy to consider him the greatest composer of the Renaissance

Appointments: Organist and choirmaster of the Lincoln Cathedral; Gentleman of the Chapel Royal

Notable compositions include: Cantiones Sacrae motets, three Latin Masses, Gradualia, Psalmes, Sonets & Songs, Songs of Sundrie Natures, Passing Measures Pavan & Galliard, Quadran Pavan & Galliard