Cornysh - Woefully arrayed: Genre?

[LeMartinPecheur]

Just been to The Sixteen's Choral Pilgrimage concert at Truro Cathedral. Featured composers were Britten and William Cornysh (did you know there were probably two of him??). Listening to the not unfamiliar 'Woefully arrayed' I asked myself who would have performed it originally and where, in what context. And I didn't have a clue!

It is obviously a religious/ devotional work, but in English c1500-1523. Is this a piece for performance in private houses by theologically fairly 'liberal' (Lutheran?) families? Or what?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

It is obviously a religious/ devotional work, but in English c1500-1523. Is this a piece for performance in private houses by theologically fairly 'liberal' (Lutheran?) families? Or what?

The break with Rome didn't occur until a bit later, in the 1530s: Henry and Anne Boleyn weren't married until 1533 (ten years after the younger of the two Cornyshes died; so the Motet/Anthem is even earlier if by the elder).

Both Cornyshes were associated with the Chapel Royal, and Woefully Arrayed (with a poem possibly by John Skelton) was popular; so conceivably sung by them at ceremonies attended by the King?

[subcontrabass]

An internet search suggests a scholarly consensus that this work was for domestic performance.

[cloughie]

An internet search suggests a scholarly consensus that this work was for domestic performance.

No need to pay for it then - oh sorry, that was another thread!

[jean]

I was brought up on the strict (Protestant) belief that Catholics understood nothing about their religion and their priests were very anxious to keep it that way. This made the Refomation necessary.

The existence of this piece and of others like it* gives the lie to that belief.

Read Eamon Duffy: the Stripping of the Altars for more on pre-Reformation spirituality.

*For example Richard Pygott Quid petis, O fili?

[BBMmk2]

It’s a pity The Sixteen are not performing near me.