Appointed a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal in 1563, the English composer Robert Parsons bridges a transitional period in English church music, from the more elaborate Marian motet to the demands of the reformed Elizabethan liturgy.

Vocal and Instrumental Music
Parsons met a relatively early death by drowning, a fate duly lamented by his contemporaries. His sacred music includes Latin settings as well as services for the new liturgy. His secular songs are said to suggest a connection with the London choirboy plays. His instrumental compositions consist of consort music for viols.