Robert Parsons, born around 1535, was an English composer of the Tudor period
who served in the Chapel Royal. After training as a choirboy and assistant to
Richard Bower, he began composing in the 1550s, producing his work, First
Service, a setting of the 1549 Prayer Book. Notable works include Ave Maria and
the anthem Deliver Me from Mine Enemies, which appeared in the Oxford Book of
Tudor Anthems. His compositions were performed by the Chapel Royal and William
Byrd, who succeeded him. He passed away on January 25, 1572, drowned in the
River Trent, ending a career that remains i...