December 5 - Henry Lawes (The Musical Birthday Series, 5th Annual Cycle)

Previous posts for December 3rd are here: Little Richard; Grace Moore (2019), Osvaldo Golijov (2020), Francesco Scarlatti (2021), and José Carreras; Francesco Geminiani (2022)

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Henry Lawes (bapt. 5 January 1596 – 21 October 1662) was the leading English songwriter of the mid-17th century, linking the period of  Dowland to that of Purcell.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sing, Ye Songsters!

Though some of his 1638 psalm tunes are found in modern hymn-books, his devotional music does not now appeal. It is his output of more than 430 songs. especially the three Bookes of Ayres and Dialogues on which his reputation rests. – adapted from Wikipedia

Of Lawes it’s said that no one cares

For music that he wrote for prayers,

So set aside his sacred wares

And listen to his solos Ayres

And Dialogues (to be sung by pairs),

And thus forget the world’s affairs

Through tuneful solace such as theirs.

 

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