Robert Parsons was a 16th-century English composer whose sacred music left a lasting mark on the Tudor era. Active during the mid-1500s, he contributed richly to the repertoire of Latin motets and English anthems, blending intricate polyphony with the devotional spirit of the time. Though details of his life are sparse, he’s believed to have been associated with the Chapel Royal and met an untimely end in 1570, allegedly drowning in the River Trent. His works, like the hauntingly beautiful *First Great Service* and the introspective *Responds for the Dead*, showcase his mastery of choral writing. Modern recordings, such as *Robert Parsons: Sacred Music* and collections like *Advent at St Paul’s*, keep his legacy alive, reintroducing listeners to the serene beauty of Renaissance devotion. A quiet giant of his era, Parsons’ music remains a bridge to England’s vibrant sacred musical past.
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