A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Henry VIII

by William H. Husk

HENRY VIII, King, born June 28, 1491, died Jan. 28, 1547–8, being originally designed for the church, was duly instructed in music (then an essential part of the acquirements of an ecclesiastic), and appears to have attained to some skill in composition. Hall, the Chronicler, and Lord Herbert of Cherbury mention two masses of his composition, neither now extant; Hawkins (chap. 77) has printed a Latin motet for 3 voices by Henry from a MS. collection of anthems, motets, etc., written in 1591 by John Baldwin, singing man of Windsor and subsequently gentleman and clerk of the cheque of the Chapel Royal (died Aug. 28, 1615); and the anthem, 'Lord, the Maker of all things,' assigned by Barnard and others to William Mundy, was by Aldrich and Boyce declared to be proved to be his production (see Boyce's 'Cath. Music,' ii. i ). In the British Museum (Add. MSS. 5665) is 'Passetyme with good cumpanye. The Kynges balade,' set to music for 3 voices. It is printed in John Stafford Smith's 'Musica Antiqua' and Chappell's 'Popular Music of the Olden Time.' In Harl. MSS. 1419, fol. 200, is a catalogue of the numerous musical instruments belonging to Henry at the time of his death.

[ W. H. H. ]