*  Palestrina and Byrd are generally acclaimed as two of the three greatest late Renaissance composers, along with Lassus.  Palestrina led the musicians of St. Peters's in Rome, and Byrd led the musicians of the Elizabethan Chapel Royal.

* The Missa Papae Marcelli is Palestrina's best-known work.  In legend, the Council of Trent reversed a proposed ban on polyphony at Mass after they heard it performed and were overwhelmed by its spiritual beauty and dignity. 

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*  Byrd's Gradualia Propers for the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul were probably first performed at a private Mass for the Feast celebrated clandestinely at a time when public celebration of the Latin Mass was forbidden in England.