The flourishing of secular music in England during the late Renaissance, the social environment in which it took place and the first steps towards a music profession and a music publishing trade are key elements within this book. Household music of families of varying importance is examined, shedding light on the relationship between these patrons and their musicians, on the role of the Church and the Court, on the astonishing advances in musical literacy and refinement, and on the importance of the Grand Tour and its contribution to the spread of European (especially Italian) musical innovations to England. Quotations from contemporary sources are used to bring to life the milieu in which this music was created and the nature of the music itself, both secular and devotional. The importance of this study lies not only in its originality as a contribution to music history but also in its originality of approach well known to art historians but until now surprisingly neglected by music historians and Renaissance historians. The book will also be of interest to performers of Renaissance music and historians of theology, literature and politics.
