Tudor Church MusicTudor Church Music
Both the rich and poor Tudor people enjoyed Tudor church music. Elizabethan Church music was beautiful. Many of the Tudor composers and musicians not only composed music for the court but also for the church. Tudor composers for the voice made use of two distinct styles which were called the Madrigal and the Ayre. Definition of a madrigal: A madrigal was a short love poem which could easily be set to music. Definition of an Ayre or Air: Originated from the French word for "aria" - also spelt as ayr. This type of Tudor Church music was a variant of the musical song form and used as the name of various vocal or instrumental musical compositions. Styles of Tudor Church Music
The emergence of the madrigal during the Tudor period ensured that ‘England first became sophisticated in the ways of Continental music.’ The early 1500's saw the high point of the unique English liturgical style. Church music included: - Madrigals
- Ayres or Airs
- Sacred songs or Hymns
The style of Tudor church music is described as choral polyphony meaning more than one part. The famous Tudor musicians such as Thomas Tallis and William Byrd ( organist of the Chapel Royal ) were the chief composers and musicians of Tudor Church music which provided the new Protestant Church of England with a wealth of Hymns that are still played in English churches today. William Blitheman was organist to Elizabeth I's Chapel Royal and a composer of church and virginal music. Famous Tudor Musicians and Composers of Tudor Church Music
Orlando Gibbons was the leading English composer of his generation. He held positions as Organist of the Royal Chapel and finally organist at Westminster Abbey. Gibbons is also well-known for his sacred choral music, hymns and anthems. Thomas Morley wrote music for the liturgy of the Church of England. Morley was employed at St. Paul's in London and became a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal in 1592. John Mundy was the Organist of St. George’s, Windsor. Singer, composer and Gentleman of the Chapel Royal. Composed liturgical music for the new Prayer book. Christopher Tye was an English Tudor organist and composer of choral and instrumental music. Tudor Church Music
Each section of this Tudors website addresses all topics and provides interesting facts and information about Tudor Church Music. The Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts provided about the fascinating subject of the Tudors! | 