William Byrd (c. 1540-1623) was an English renaissance composer who wrote several well-known works in both the Catholic and Anglican traditions many of which are still highly popular today. He studied under ThomasTallis at the Chapel Royal before becoming organist and master of the Choristers at Lincoln. He later returned to the Chapel Royal as Gentleman and Organist. Ego Sum Panis Vivus was inspired by theantiphon to the Benedictus at Lauds on the feast of Corpus Christi. It makes a perfect anthem for any Eucharist service or Mass. It is scored for SATB choir with Piano reduction for rehearsal purposes.
