In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Thomas Weelkes

Born: 1573. Died: 1623. Lived in: England

Weelkes was baptised in the little village church of Elsted in Sussex on 25 October 1576. It has been suggested that his father was John Weeke, rector of Elsted, although there is no documentary evidence of the relationship. In 1597 his first volume of madrigals was published, the preface noting that he was a very young man when they were written; this helps to fix the date of his birth to somewhere in the middle of the 1570s. Early in his life he was in service at the house of the courtier Edward Darcye. At the end of 1598, at the probable age of 22, Weelkes was appointed organist at Winchester College, where he remained for two or three years, receiving the salary of 13s 4d per quarter. His remuneration included board and lodging.

During his Winchester period, Weelkes composed a further two volumes of madrigals (1598, 1600). He obtained his B. Mus. Degree from New College, Oxford in 1602, and moved to Chichester to take up the position of organist and informator choristarum (instructor of the choristers) at the Cathedral at some time between October 1601 and October 1602. He was also given a lay clerkship at the Cathedral, being paid 15 2s 4d annually alongside his board, lodging and other amenities. The following year he married Elizabeth Sandham, from a wealthy local family. They had three children and it was rumored that Elizabeth was already pregnant at the time of the marriage.

Arrangements | Recordings

John Leavitt : The SAB Choir Goes Renaissance

Here is a fantastic resource for introducing the music of the Renaissance to developing ensembles or groups with limited male singers. Purchase the Performance Kit and receive a code to access audio tracks online through My Library. The six works by Thomas Weelkes, featuring optional percussion.

Songlist: Since Robin Hood, The Nightingale, Strike It Up, Tabor, Come, Let's Begin, Four Arms, Two Necks, One Wreathing, Late In My Rash Accounting

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-9 of 9 items.

Richard Weymuth : Ha Ha! This World Doth Pass

This authentic 3-part English madrigal is now arranged by Rick Weymuth as a perfect concert or contest work. Nonsense words are enhanced by a story about a Maypole dance celebrating spring. Humorous, light and full of fun. A wonderful selection to present madrigal singing to your choir and audience. Available: SAB, a cappella.

Arranger: Richard Weymuth

Walter Ehret : Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints Above

Arranger: Walter Ehret

Walter Ehret : In Pride of May

Arranger: Walter Ehret

John Leavitt : Late in My Rash Accounting

Excerpted from The SAB Choir Goes Renaissance (00221998), this single offers simple, homophonic singing through the verse but a wonderful opportunity for your choir to sing Renaissance polyphony through the Fa la la section. In keeping with the style of the Renaissance, an optional hand percussion part has been added as a possible enhancement.

Arranger: John Leavitt

Thomas Weelkes : Since Robin Hood

This three voice madrigal by Thomas Weelkes is full of fun and whimsy, with changes in meter, interweaving vocal lines and a dance-like feel. An excellent selection for madrigal dinners, ensemble performances and other concert performances!

Thomas Weelkes : Strike It Up, Tabor

This spirited 3-voice madrigal with hand drum dances with humor and rhythmic energy! Excellent as a processional or opening number, your singers will enjoy the clever wordplay and vocal effects! Duration: ca. 2:00.

John Leavitt : To Shorten Winter's Sadness

The Hal Leonard Choral Treasury series has become the benchmark for clean, functional, well edited scores. This madrigal by the early English composer Thomas Weelkes is all of that and more. And the text lends itself to a winter program as well as any time during the year.

Arranger: John Leavitt

Christy Elsner : Welcome Sweet Pleasure

Lilting and dance-like, this popular Weelkes madrigal will be a delight to learn and perform with SATB choirs, especially developing choirs being introduced to the genre. With its brisk tempo, dynamic contrasts and flirtatious text, this is a wonderful teaching and performance piece for any program.

Arranger: Christy Elsner

Patrick Liebergen : Welcome Sweet Pleasure

The English Renaissance composer Thomas Weelkes gave us the madrigal Welcome Sweet Pleasure in 1598 as an SSATB score. Patrick Liebergen has edited and arranged this wonderful work into an SSA choral that is dance-like and excellent for teaching text declaration. The accompaniment is optional, making the work perfect for any general concert or madrigal dinner performance.

Arranger: Patrick Liebergen