Orlando Gibbons

1583-1625. English composer. Of a family distinguished in English music for several generations, he served as organist both of the Chapel Royal and of Westminster Abbey. He was the first great composer to write church music only for the Protestant rite in England. He wrote services in the cathedral style, preces, festival psalms, and both full and verse anthems. Like Byrd,* his secular works are characterized by a notable seriousness. “Hosanna to the Son of David” and “Almighty and everlasting God” are among his best-known and most performed anthems today.