The sacred works of William Lawes, such as 'Judah in exile wanders', are distinguished by their harmonic extravagance and characteristic dissonances, including violent false relations and poignant suspensions.
Critical Reception
William Lawes' death was considered a tragedy by the English artistic world, leading many poets, such as Robert Herrick and John Tatham, to write mourning eulogies.
Historical Context
William Lawes was killed at the age of 43 on September 24, 1645, during the Siege of Chester, while serving in the Royalist army during the Great English Rebellion.
Composer Biography
William Lawes, born in 1602, is often confused with his elder brother Henry Lawes, who helped William join the court of King Charles I.
Compositional Technique
The Harp Consorts by William Lawes are among the first English chamber music pieces to include a part specifically for the harp, accompanied by viola da gamba, violin, and theorbo.
Composition History
A posthumous collection of William Lawes' sacred music, 'Choice psalmes put into Musick for Three Voices', was published by his brother Henry Lawes in 1648, including homages from other musicians.
Compositional Technique
William Lawes' music synthesizes the polyphonic Elizabethan style, the Italian Seconda Pratica and basso continuo, and the French dance suite, while being avant-garde.
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