I looked around for something to exemplify your comment and found this . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIcrgNtyX0U
‘Kyrie’: Missa Papae Marcelli - Palestrina (Tallis Scholars, 1980)
Wow, these guys can sing!
Sicut cervus (Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina) - New York Polyphony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHUuaA8DKiQ
Polyphony is unique in that instead of just the sopranos singing the melody, all the parts share in the melody. It is a dream to sing and it feels like I am singing with an angelic choir.
William Byrd was an English composer and learned his craft from the famed Thomas Tallis. Because of the Reformation William Byrd's status as premier choirmaster and Royal composer working for Elizabeth was reduced to giving pitches.
Very Beautiful, thank you. Bonne mère, priez pour nous!