Henry Lawes' "The Angler's Song"
Throughout September, the Daily Classical Music Post celebrates the music of 15th-, 16th-, and 17th-century England. https://youtu.be/-zdrMPDIUZQ The English composer Henry Lawes (1595–1662) was the brother of William Lawes; at the time, Henry was considered to be more important, but it is William who is better known today. The great music critic Charles Burney said that Henry's greatest strength was his simplicity. Many people now recognise that Henry was one of the most significant 17th-century English songwriters. Henry and William were great supporters of King Charles I, and William died in 1645 in the service of the king. William's greatest works were written for viol consort. I've played a few and they are incredibly innovative, with fascinating textures and harmonies. Henry was more of a composer for voice than for instruments, and he does seem to have had a very fine ear for setting words to music. Izaak Walter wrote The Compleat Angler in 1653. This lovely celebrat...