He lived until well into the seventeenth century without writing music in the new Baroque fashion, but his superbly constructed keyboard works marked the beginning of the Baroque organ and harpsichord style. Byrd's life is interesting because of his Roman Catholic sympathies combined with his work in the court of the Anglican Queen Elizabeth I.
He composed much music, if intermittently, for the Roman Catholic liturgy, particularly in his later years; the two volumes of Gradualia are a prime example. Possibly as a result of this he did not receive widespread recognition in his lifetime, but was very well respected among the Roman Catholic gentry. In the anti-Catholic frenzy following the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, the first volume of the Gradualia (1605), was banned in England under penalty of imprisonment, as indeed was all of his Catholic music; however, his Anglican music - such as the Short Service, and the Responses - has been sung in English cathedrals uninterrupted for the past four centuries.
The Great Service: Nunc dimittis
William Byrd Lyrics
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Because my eyes have seen Thy salvation,
Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples:
A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be
World without end
Amen
The lyrics to William Byrd's song "The Great Service: Nunc Dimittis" speak of a sense of peace and contentment in the idea of passing on to the next life. The opening line "Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace" suggests a willingness to let go and move on, trusting in God's plan for the afterlife. The reason for this peaceful state is "because my eyes have seen Thy salvation," meaning the singer has already witnessed the glory and wonder of what is to come. This salvation has been prepared for "all peoples," signaling that this is not a life only reserved for a select few. Additionally, the salvation is likened to a "light to the revelation of the Gentiles" and the "glory of Thy people Israel," indicating that this is something that all people can share in together.
The closing lines of the song, "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit / As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be / World without end / Amen," serve as a sort of benediction or blessing, affirming the singer's belief in the eternal power of God and the endless cycle of life.
Overall, the lyrics to "The Great Service: Nunc Dimittis" express a sense of trust and faith in the idea of passing on to the next life, and finding light and salvation in that transition.
Line by Line Meaning
Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace
I am ready to depart from this world in peace, as You promised me, Lord.
Because my eyes have seen Thy salvation,
I have witnessed the arrival of the salvation that You have provided.
Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples:
You have prepared this salvation for all people to see and accept.
A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.
This salvation brings light to the Gentiles and brings glory to the people of Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit
Let us give glory and praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be
Their glory and power are eternal, and have been from the beginning.
World without end
Their glory and power will endure forever, without end.
Amen
So be it.
Contributed by Elena O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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