Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

ca. 1470 in England

Death

:

September 10, 1523 in Hylden Manor, Kent

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

William Cornysh was a prominent English composer of the Renaissance era, known for his contributions to sacred and secular music. He was born in the early 1460s, likely in the town of Waltham Abbey in Essex, England. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he received his musical education at the Chapel Royal in London, where he served as a singer and composer. Cornysh's career as a composer began in the late 1480s, when he was appointed as a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled composer, and his works were frequently performed at court and in churches throughout England. In addition to his work at the Chapel Royal, Cornysh also served as a music teacher to the young Prince Henry, the future King Henry VIII. Cornysh's music was characterized by its rich harmonies and intricate polyphony, which reflected the influence of the Franco-Flemish school of composers. He wrote music in a variety of genres, including masses, motets, and secular songs. One of his most famous works is the "Salve Regina," a setting of the Marian antiphon that was widely performed in England during the 16th century. In addition to his sacred music, Cornysh also wrote a number of secular songs and instrumental pieces. These works often featured lively rhythms and catchy melodies, and were popular with both courtiers and commoners. One of his most famous secular works is the "Blow thy horn, hunter," a lively hunting song that was frequently performed at court. Cornysh's career was cut short by his untimely death in 1523. He was buried in the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace, where he had served for many years. Despite his relatively short career, Cornysh left a lasting legacy in English music, and his works continue to be performed and studied today.

More....