Thomas Weelkes

Thomas Weelkes, born in Sussex around 1576, was a prolific English composer and organist whose works have left an indelible mark on choral music. Appointed organist at Winchester College in 1598, Weelkes later moved to Chichester Cathedral, where he composed a wealth of sacred and secular music. His repertoire includes madrigals, anthems, and services, many of which remain in use in churches and cathedrals to this day. Weelkes' sacred music for the Anglican liturgy is particularly notable, with smaller-scale pieces designed for the 'half choir' at Chichester Cathedral. His contributions to the tradition of royal anthems in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries are also significant. Weelkes passed away in 1623, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences and musicians alike.