Elizabeth's England
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William Byrd
Psalmes, sonets, & songs of sadnes and pietie (London, circa 1590)
Newberry Library (Case -VM 1579 .B99p)
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William Byrd's "Lullaby" was immensely popular. It is addressed to the baby Jesus and might have been performed at the court at Christmas. Byrd was a Catholic who in other works gave subtle expression to his religious dissent.

Listen to an MP3 of Byrd's "Lullaby" 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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