Two four-part and five three-part In Nomines are attributed to the English composer William Byrd (1543-1623). This form was a polyphonic work written for unspecified instrumental ensemble and was often a written by a younger composer to demonstrate technical mastery. This appears to be the case with Byrd's contributions, which appear to be quite early works.

The third five-part In Nomine is a quieter work, particularly compared with the preceding work, 5/2. Despite a more intimate approach, the writing is no less impressive.

It quotes from an unremarkable In Nomine by the Italian composer, Alfonso Ferrabosco. Perhaps because of this, much of the work is in an Italianate clear major sonority, and this is possibly Byrd's real interest quoting from Ferrabosco's rather lackluster work.



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