May 1 - William Lawes (The Musical Birthday Series)

William Lawes (bapt. 1 May 1602 – 24 September 1645) was a courtier and musician for Charles I of England, best known for his viol consort music, and ceremonial music written for the court. He was, no doubt, actually born in April, but the first solid date we have is for his baptism, so that is what I celebrate here.

Lawes and Order

No one guffaws

At William Lawes.

There’s just a pause,

And then applause;

And that’s because

   (It’s plain)

His music was

   Arcane.