William Byrd: Justorum Animae
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Alan Titchmarsh's Great British Discovery
50. William Byrd: Justorum Animae
The English Renaissance composer produced sacred music for use in Anglican services, although he became a Roman Catholic in later life and wrote Catholic sacred music as well. His serene and beautiful setting of "Justorum animae" comes from the biblical Book of Wisdom. The line 'Justorum animae in manu Dei sunt' ('The souls of the just are in the hand of God) would have been a source of solace for devout believers.
