Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

before 1470 in England

Death

:

after 1500 in England

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Vocal

 

John Sheryngham was a prominent English composer of the late medieval period. He was born in the early 15th century, likely in the town of Sheringham in Norfolk, England. Little is known about his early life or musical training, but it is believed that he may have been associated with the Chapel Royal in London at some point in his career. Sheryngham is best known for his sacred vocal music, which was composed in the style of the English school of polyphony. His works are characterized by their intricate harmonies and complex counterpoint, which were typical of the period. Sheryngham's music was highly regarded during his lifetime and was widely performed in churches and cathedrals throughout England. One of Sheryngham's most famous works is his Mass for the Feast of St. Edmund, which was composed in the early 1460s. This mass is notable for its use of a cantus firmus, or pre-existing melody, which is woven throughout the various movements of the piece. The mass is also notable for its use of a six-voice texture, which was relatively uncommon at the time. Another notable work by Sheryngham is his motet "Gaude Maria Virgo," which was composed in the mid-1460s. This motet is a setting of a text in honor of the Virgin Mary and is notable for its use of a highly complex and intricate polyphonic texture. The motet is also notable for its use of a cantus firmus, which is derived from a popular secular song of the time. Sheryngham's music was highly influential in the development of English polyphony, and his works were widely copied and imitated by other composers of the period. His music was also highly regarded by later generations of composers, including William Byrd and Thomas Tallis, who were both influenced by Sheryngham's use of complex polyphonic textures. Despite his significant contributions to the development of English polyphony, relatively little is known about Sheryngham's life or career. It is believed that he may have been associated with the Chapel Royal in London at some point, but there is little concrete evidence to support this claim. Sheryngham's music, however, remains an important part of the English choral tradition and continues to be performed and studied by musicians and scholars around the world.

More....