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From Songs of Sundrie Natures (London, 1589)
 
In his preface to his second song collection Byrd writes that he is “desirous to delight thee with variety, whereof (in my opinion) no science is more plentifully adorned than music.” The collection includes music for three, four, five and six parts composed in a variety of styles.  
 
The Greedy Hawk text uses the metaphor of the soaring hawk striking its prey to warn us of being taken. It is a classic example of Byrd’s perfectly balanced and beautiful part writing.

Difficulty: Intermediate level, moderately challenging for those less familiar with Renaissance rhythms.

• What to play: S A T
• The piece should ideally be felt with the whole note as the pulse at mm. 45 or with the half-note at 90.
• Recording has a 2 bar intro.
• Note: the original had no bar lines. Follow the text and commas for breaths.