ABSTRACT
In 1622 Thomas Tomkins had so far modified the conventional contents of a madrigal book as to include four anthems, one of which was later reprinted in Musica Deo sacra. It has sometimes been suggested that Thomas Tomkins, chancellor of Exeter Cathedral, was responsible for editing Musica Deo sacra and seeing it through the press. But there is no proof that this eminent and learned divine had any great knowledge of music or deep interest in it. Musica Deo sacra has, in its way, been just as much maligned and misunderstood as the singing men who first made its symbols live in sound. Musica Deo sacra contains five services, five psalm tunes, the Preces and two proper psalms, and ninety-four anthems. Among the items not included in this publication are two Evening Services, two psalm tunes, two settings of the Litany and one of the Responses, and eighteen anthems.
