William Byrd: The Three Masses
A Baltimore Sun reviewer gives four stars to a new CD by the Pro Arte Singers of Indiana University, directed by Paul Hillier (third item):
At considerable risk, William Byrd composed and had printed three settings of the Latin Mass in the early 1600s, when Catholicism was proscribed in England. Throughout his life, he remained true to his faith, which, as his music makes plain, meant everything to him.
The three Masses, in particular, reflect that intensity; they are remarkably expressive, without ever turning florid. Byrd's style is a model of melodic directness and exquisitely molded harmonies. The Credo of his Mass for Five Voices is a case in point; this profession of faith could hardly be clearer or more emphatic, yet there is no sense of overemphasis or straining for effect. Everything is in balance, everything innately beautiful. It's the same throughout each section of these three important works.
Byrd, William
born 1543 , Lincoln, Lincolnshire?, Eng. died July 4, 1623 , Stondon Massey, Essex
One of the greatest of English musical composers... English organist and composer of the Shakespearean age who is best known for his development of the English madrigal. He also wrote virginal and organ music that elevated the English keyboard style.
...Byrd was the composer of three masses, for three, four, and five voices respectively, which seem to have been published with some privacy about 1588. All three have recently appeared in modern editions, and increase Byrd's claim to rank as the greatest English composer of his age.
And certainly in the top of greatest Catholic composers as well.