Much was happening in England in the second half of the 16th century (the reign of Elizabeth I) and throughout the 17th century, which saw a succession of revolutions, monarchical restorations, and even a brief and rather authoritarian ‘republic.’ Coinciding with the Baroque revolution, the arts were not to be left behind: the age of Shakespeare introduced a uniquely English variety of opera, instrumental music experienced a dazzling development, and sacred music blazed its own path forward.
