Henry VIII

Henry VIII is one of the most colorful figures of history, as well as one of the most influential. He was a devotee of every pleasure life had to offer and music was one of the many venues he explored, as a patron, composer, and musician. Originally intended for the church, Henry became heir to the throne when his older brother Arthur died. His early education had included music and contemporary records refer to his having written at least two mass settings, neither of which have survived. While only a few motets have been conclusively identified as his work, several others have been attributed to him. The most famous piece attributed to him is, of course, Greensleeves, though this has frequently been questioned. Other secular works, including the old-fashioned Hélas madame and Pastime With Good Company, have been more reliably ascribed to him. Like most well-educated men of the Renaissance, he could play several instruments and amassed a wide collection.
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