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.

Byrd's fifth five-part and last In Nomine is also his most celebrated. Technically masterful and compelling executed, it relies on fast rhythmic motion to move the listener's attention towards cadence points and climaxes. The polyphony frequently uses a homophonic texture, an unusual polyphonic device for the time.

Byrd quotes from an equally famous Parsons In Nomine (5/1), which also uses increasing speed and a chordal texture. Byrd's work, however, incorporates more unusual polyphony and rhythmic devices than does Parson's.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.