Thomas Tallis and William Byrd
Cantiones, quae ab argumento sacrae vocantur [Songs called sacred because of their texts] (London, 1575)
Newberry Library (Case -VM 2099 L63 T14c)
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Musical arts thrived under Elizabeth. The queen's Chapel Royal employed talented musicians and composers such as Thomas Tallis and William Byrd. Although Italian and French songs were popular, Elizabeth gave Tallis and Byrd a "patent," or monopoly, on musical notation paper in order to provide a financial foundation for the publication of English music.

Listen to an MP3 of Tallis' "O nata lux" performed by The Forces of Virtue Ensemble:
96 Kbps file | 56 Kbps file | View lyrics (PDF format)

If you would like to purchase a CD, or would like more information on the ensemble, please send an email to: forces@probonomusic.net.

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