Thomas Morley

Late Renaissance English composer Thomas Morley was born in Norwich in 1557. He was the son of a brewer and may have been a Roman Catholic. He moved to London before 1574, was a chorister at St Paul's Cathedral and studied with William Byrd. He studied at Oxford University and became organist at St Paul's.

Morley began publishing the madrigals that made him famous in or after 1588. These include It was a lover and his lass, setting Shakespeare and Now Is the Month of Maying. He also wrote sacred music, keyboard and other instrumental music and works for broken consort.

His 1597 book, Plaine and Easie Introduction to Practicall Musicke, provides important information about sixteenth century music.

Thomas Morley died in London in early October 1602, aged forty-five.

 

A selection of articles about Thomas Morley

Ensemble. Serenade to Shakespeare - Mike Wheeler has no complaints about the choral contribution to this inspired idea

Ensemble. Diction and Projection - A performance by The Hills Singers impresses Keith Bramich

Ensemble. Me and my Aunts - A Shakespeare celebration, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Immensely Responsive - The Choir of Merton College, Oxford, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... beautifully moulded lines ...'

Ensemble. Infectiously Enjoyable - Anniversaries at The VoiceBox in Derby, by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Beautifully Presented - Christmas vocal pieces, heard by Patric Standford. '... lively readings ...'

Record Box. Gentle Chromaticism - Music by Orlando Gibbons, reviewed by Patric Standford