The Musicians of Westminster Abbey, 1540–1640

Limited historical records reveal that the musical repertoire of Westminster Abbey during the 16th and early 17th centuries remains largely unknown, with no surviving lists of motets, anthems, or canticles used in daily services. Additionally, documentation for significant state events, such as royal funerals and coronations, is scarce, leaving gaps in understanding the role of music in the Abbey's liturgy. The study highlights the lack of early choir library catalogues, a common issue among ancient cathedrals, underscoring the challenges in reconstructing this period's musical practices.

(Ed.). (2018). The Musicians of Westminster Abbey, 1540–1640. Westminster Abbey Reformed, 110–129. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315198248-13