William Byrd

William Byrd (c.1540 – 4 July 1623) was an English Renaissance composer, considered one of the greatest of his era. His influence extended throughout England and the Continent. Byrd was a prolific writer of sacred and secular polyphony, keyboard, and consort music. Originally composing for Anglican services, he became a Roman Catholic in the 1570s and later composed Catholic sacred music. His exact date of birth is uncertain, but available documents suggest he was born around 1539 or 1540 in London, the son of Thomas Byrd and Margery. Byrd's upbringing and early musical training are not well documented, though he may have studied under Thomas Tallis in the Chapel Royal.