Robert Parsons

If Robert Parsons had connections with Lincoln, he probably had an influence on the music of Byrd. Their settings of "Libera me, Domine" are surprisingly similar. Parsons was a Gentleman of the Royal Chapel in London and respected for his compositions for both the Latin and English rites for which he wrote numerous compositions. The Latin Rite compositions by Parson were much more developed than were the English works. "O bone Jesu," and "Ave Maria" were both characteristically rich in harmonies, and balanced with counterpoint, shape and sensitivity. His "Magnificat" demonstrates great technique and merit as Parsons skillfully alternated the contrapuntal voicings. Sacred compositions were not his only forte as revealed in his consorts and instrumental works for viol. ~ Keith Johnson