Morley, Thomas

Thomas Morley was one of the foremost member of the English Madrigal School and was active in church music as a singer, composer and organist. Fantasie La Girandola is from his First Book of Canzonets to Two Voyces, dating from 1595, and the collection of 21 pieces includes 12 canzonets for 2 voices and nine fantasias for 2 instruments. The combination of two-part counterpoint and suspensions create music of great beauty and clarity. It can be played with or without vibrato and the melodic lines and musical direction should indicate the dynamic range to employ.