Fitzwilliam Virginal Book - Arrangements in Six Volumes - Vol. 1  Ref: 4--003 Arranged for string quartet The Fitzwilliam Virginal Book is a treasure trove from what is arguably the pinnacle of English musical history. Most of its works come into one of four categories - dances, sets of variations on a song tune, fantasias which are an extended exploration of a single motif, and works based on a cantus fermus, most notably the In Nomine. The six volumes are not strictly graded, but there is a tendency for technical demand to increase in the later volumes. In Volume 1 the simple dance is heavily represented. You will find lively melody, foot-stamping rhythms and, in the Parsons In Nomine, a magisterial opening that seems to call for a large string ensemble and echoing vaults. see sample score