A feigned friend

William Byrd's A feigned friend is a four-part (SSAT) secular English partsong. The music opens with a sense of mild agitation, the voices weaving in and out of imitation, perhaps mirroring the deceptive nature of the text. The poem speaks of a false friend being a greater enemy than an open foe, comparing such deceit to hidden rocks that sink ships. The composer captures the contrast between outward appearance and inner malice, with the music moving from a feeling of anxious caution to a more direct and emphatic expression of betrayal. This is a masterfully crafted example of Renaissance part-music, exploring profound human emotions through intricate vocal interplay.