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Pygott & Mason: Music for Cardinal Wol...

Biography

This English composer of predominantly sacred pieces was a teacher in the home of Thomas Wolsey (Henry VIII's Lord Chancellor). He taught the children of the estate's chapel choir and came to the attention of the King through one of Pygott's former praiseworthy students in the King's own chapel. From this attention Pygott was awarded a number of royal favors and became a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal where he served until his death. He was present at the funeral of Henry VIII, the coronation of Edward VI and the recipient of a letter from Princess Elizabeth in 1552. Few of Pygott's compositions survive but he is mentioned by Morley in "Plaine and Easie Introduction to Practicall Musick." The music composed by Pygott demonstrated complexity, a thorough understanding of the methodologies of his time, and a sonorous melodic line. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi