The renaissance English composer William Byrd (1543-1623) wrote a set of nine variations on the well-known dance tune Sellinger's Round. This melody was extremely popular in the renaissance, and it was the subject for many sets of variations.

Byrd's aim in this work is to imbue each variation with a different character without breaking the dance nature of the original. Given the increasing complexity of each variation, Byrd succeeds rather well. The opening statement is extremely simple, and, with each variation, becomes more complex and vigorous. Yet each variation has its own character and technique: the fourth using quaver runs, the sixth, homophony, complex syncopation in the seventh and so on.

This work shows signs of a relatively early date of composition. Nonetheless, Byrd's particular gifts for melody and contrapuntal composition make this a strong work within the variation tradition.

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