Composer. An outstanding member of the English Madrigal School. His consort songs are prized for their effective melodies, vivid word-painting and almost romantic sensitivity to the texts. Some historians consider them the finest examples of the genre. The most famous of them include "Adieu, sweet Amarillis", "Sweet hony sucking bees", "Stay Corydon", "Softly, O softly drop", and "Draw on sweet night". They were published in two collections, in 1598 and 1609. Wilbye was born in Diss, Norfolk, and baptized on March 7, 1574. For most of his life he was employed as a domestic musician and teacher to the noble Kytson family, first at Hengrave Hall near Bury St. Edmunds, then in Colchester. His devotion to the Kytsons was such that he once turned down an advantageous marriage to remain in their service; in return he was allowed to participate in some of their business ventures. He died a wealthy man. Wilbye's surviving compositions probably represent only a fraction of what he wrote, but his 64 madrigals alone would place him among the greats of English music. They are still performed today.
Composer. An outstanding member of the English Madrigal School. His consort songs are prized for their effective melodies, vivid word-painting and almost romantic sensitivity to the texts. Some historians consider them the finest examples of the genre. The most famous of them include "Adieu, sweet Amarillis", "Sweet hony sucking bees", "Stay Corydon", "Softly, O softly drop", and "Draw on sweet night". They were published in two collections, in 1598 and 1609. Wilbye was born in Diss, Norfolk, and baptized on March 7, 1574. For most of his life he was employed as a domestic musician and teacher to the noble Kytson family, first at Hengrave Hall near Bury St. Edmunds, then in Colchester. His devotion to the Kytsons was such that he once turned down an advantageous marriage to remain in their service; in return he was allowed to participate in some of their business ventures. He died a wealthy man. Wilbye's surviving compositions probably represent only a fraction of what he wrote, but his 64 madrigals alone would place him among the greats of English music. They are still performed today.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
Advertisement
