Composer

:

William Byrd

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1608

Average_duration

:

4:09

'With lilies white' is a choral work composed by William Byrd, one of the most prominent English composers of the Renaissance period. The piece was likely composed in the late 16th century, although the exact date is unknown. It was first published in 1589 in Byrd's collection of songs and sacred music, entitled 'Songs of Sundrie Natures'. 'With lilies white' is a four-part choral work, written for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices. The piece is in a simple, homophonic style, with all four voices singing the same melody at the same time. The text of the piece is a poem by an unknown author, which describes the beauty of a young woman who is compared to a lily. The piece is characterized by its gentle, flowing melody and its use of imitative polyphony. The opening phrase of the melody is repeated several times throughout the piece, creating a sense of unity and coherence. The use of imitative polyphony, where each voice enters with the same melody at different times, adds depth and complexity to the piece. 'With lilies white' is a prime example of Byrd's skill as a composer of choral music. It showcases his ability to create beautiful, expressive melodies that are both simple and sophisticated. The piece has remained popular among choral groups and audiences alike, and is often performed at weddings and other special occasions.

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