Which English composers were important in Renaissance keyboard music?

English keyboard music flourished during the late Renaissance, particularly from the second half of the 16th century onward, as composers elevated the style through works for instruments such as the virginal and organ.12

The most prominent English composers of this period include:

• William Byrd: A central figure who brought the English keyboard style to new heights. His extensive output is well-represented in major manuscript collections.13
• John Bull: A leading composer whose work was highly regarded and featured prominently in contemporary collections.32
• Giles Farnaby: A significant contributor to the keyboard repertoire of the era.31
• Orlando Gibbons: Known for his role in further developing the English keyboard tradition.12
• Peter Philips: Another major composer whose works are included in the period's significant manuscripts.3
• Thomas Tomkins: Recognized for his contributions to the refinement of the English keyboard and polyphonic styles.14

A primary source for the keyboard works of these masters is the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book, an early 17th-century manuscript collection that preserves hundreds of pieces by these influential composers.32