Thomas morely Renaissance composer
Born 1557/58 Died 1602, London. First of great English madrigals. Converted to Roman Catholicism in his early days. He became a pupil of William Byrd during that time. In 1952, he was sworn in as a gentleman of the Chapel Royal. In 1591, he left the church as he engaged in espionage work for the Catholic church in the Netherlands.
His works Morley began to recognized the work of other Italian madrigals. In 1593, he published 25 canzonets (little short songs) for 3 voices. In 1597 he published 17 canzonets for 5 voices. In 1597, 4 canzonets for six voices. His first madrigals – 22 of them – were created in 1954. 20 ballets were published in 1595. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwJLKdU 50KE
His works Whilst he was a pupil of Byrd, he was trained in a premadrigalian style of strong polyphony. However in 1950’s, his work showed a strong influence from the Italian madrigals. Morley edited many different works including a collection of madrigals from different composers. He would edit services, anthems, motets and psalms.