Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

1450

Death

:

after 1499

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Walter Lambe was a prominent English composer of the late medieval period, known for his contributions to the development of English polyphony. Born in the early 1450s, Lambe grew up in the bustling city of Norwich, where he likely received his early musical training. Little is known about Lambe's early life, but it is believed that he may have been a chorister at the Norwich Cathedral, where he would have received a thorough education in music theory and performance. It is also possible that he received further training in London, where he may have studied with some of the leading composers of the day. Lambe's earliest surviving works date from the 1470s, and include a number of sacred motets and antiphons. These works demonstrate Lambe's skill in crafting complex polyphonic textures, as well as his ability to create expressive and emotionally charged music. One of Lambe's most famous works is his setting of the Magnificat, a hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary. This piece, which dates from the early 1480s, is notable for its intricate polyphony and rich harmonic language. Lambe's use of dissonance and chromaticism in this work was highly innovative for its time, and helped to establish him as one of the leading composers of his generation. In addition to his sacred music, Lambe also composed a number of secular works, including songs and instrumental pieces. Unfortunately, very few of these works have survived, and it is difficult to assess their quality or significance. Lambe's career reached its peak in the 1490s, when he was appointed as a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, a prestigious position that gave him access to some of the most important musical resources in the country. During this time, Lambe composed a number of important works for the Chapel, including a setting of the Mass and a number of motets and anthems. One of Lambe's most famous works from this period is his setting of the Stabat Mater, a hymn that describes the suffering of the Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross. This piece, which dates from the late 1490s, is notable for its complex polyphony and its use of vivid imagery to convey the emotional intensity of the text. Lambe's career was cut short by his untimely death in the early 1500s, but his legacy lived on through his music. His works continued to be performed and admired by generations of musicians, and his influence can be seen in the works of later composers such as Thomas Tallis and William Byrd. Today, Lambe is remembered as one of the most important composers of the English Renaissance, and his works continue to be studied and performed by musicians around the world. His contributions to the development of English polyphony helped to establish a rich and vibrant tradition of choral music that continues to thrive to this day.

More....