Thomas Weelkes (c. 1575-1623); ENG

Thomas Weelkes (c. 1576–1623) was an English composer and organist and one of the most distinctive figures in the English madrigal school. He became organist at Winchester College in the 1590s and later held posts at Chichester Cathedral, where he served as organist and informator choristarum. Although church records document disciplinary problems in his later career, his music reveals a composer of considerable imagination and technical assurance.

Weelkes wrote both sacred music and secular madrigals, frequently exploiting vivid word painting, bold harmonic turns, and lively rhythmic contrasts. His best-known madrigals include As Vesta Was from Latmos Hill Descending, contributed to The Triumphs of Oriana, and Thule, the Period of Cosmography. His sacred works include anthems and services for the Anglican liturgy. The adventurous chromaticism and expressive directness of his writing distinguish him even within the exceptionally rich English vocal tradition around 1600.

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Read biography at allmusic.com.