Weelkes, Thomas - Voluntary 2 in a

1576-1623
English composer and organist Thomas Weelkes is considered one of the finest Tudor composers, known for madrigals and anthems.

In a career that spanned the most fertile period in England's musical history, Weelkes studied the Flemish polyphonic technique used by William Byrd, but became familiar with the Italian madrigal used by Thomas Morley.

Little is known about much of Weelkes training, but he received a bachelor of music in 1602 from the Oxford University, was organist at Chichester Cathedral, and chorister at Winchester College.

Despite his talent Weelkes was fired from jobs for habitual drunkenness and absence from duties. He was known as a notorious swearer and blasphemer.

Much of his work was known for its dark mood, as seen in the massive anth O Lord, Arise.

In 1622 Weelkes' wife died, leading him to drink more heavily. He died in 1623 the day after making a will that included pay for meat, drink, and lodging to the friend in whose home he died.

This Voluntary is written in Weelkes' typical singing style, as a madrigal..