Thomas Morley

Thomas Morley ( 1557 or * 1558 probably in Norwich, † October 1602 in London) was an English composer, musicologist and organist of the Renaissance.

In 1588 became Morley, who was a student William Byrd, the degree of Bachelor of Music in Oxford. From the organist at Saint Paul 's Cathedral in London, he rose to the Gentleman of the Chapel Royal. This office he held from 1592 until his death from.

In addition to the serene and appealing character of his plays had particularly its commitment to the importance of quickly winning Italian music relevant in England share in its success. The large spread of Morley's works in print reflects its importance today, such as the pieces of April is in my mistress ' face of 1594 and Now is the month of maying from 1595 are two of the most famous English Madrigals today.

Works (selection)

Secular Works

All works, which are of course not completely preserved, were printed in London.

• Canzonets or Little Short Songs to Three voyces ( 1593)
• Madrigalls to Foure voyces ( 1593)
• The First Booke of Ballets to Five voyces ( 1595 )
• The First Canzonets to voyces Two ( 1595 )
• Canzonets or Little Short Songs to voyces Two (1597 )

Sacred Works

• The Whole Booke of Psalmes, With Their Woonted Tunes (approx. 1599)
• Three services and an anthem for John Barnard's The First Book of Selected Church - Musick (first published 1641)

Furthermore, more hymns ( Anthems ), twelve motets, as well as pieces for the virginal in manuscript.

Theoretical works

• A Plaine and Introduction to practicall Musicke, Set Downe in Forme of a Dialogue ( 1597)