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Liber primus sacrarum cantionum (1589) and the Expression of Byrd’s Catholic Faith

이영민 1

1성신여자대학교

Candidate

ABSTRACT

Liber primus sacrarum cantionum (1589) is the first publication made up entirely of Byrd’s Latin motets, compositions that not only show Byrd’s strength as an English musician but also as a defender of his faith. Byrd was a very active Catholic, present at a major Jesuit event to welcome two secret missionaries from Rome in the 1580s, when Catholics were under the threat of intense persecution. He was also connected to the plots for the accession of Mary, Queen of the Scots, for the revival of Catholic faith in England. By publishing Latin motets -- which couldn’t expect economic profits after the establishment of the Anglican Church in England -- Byrd found a way to express his religious and political beliefs. In this essay, Byrd’s specific plans of publication, as well as the religious background of the period, are examined. Also, the texts of Liber primus sacrarum cantionum are reviewed to understand their secondary meaning, the reflection of the English Catholic community under persecution. Byrd’s texts are mostly Scripture-based. Among 16 pieces, two highlight praise and joy with others focusing on Babylonian captivity, Egyptian captivity, the plight of Jerusalem, the advent of God, liberation and martyrdom. Through these texts, the plight of Byrd, and his contemporary Catholics, is represented through music and song.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2024 are currently being built.