Robert Fayrfax

Robert Fayrfax (23 April 1464 – 24 October 1521) was an English Renaissance composer, considered the most prominent and influential of the reigns of Kings Henry VII and Henry VIII of England. He represents the third stage of the development of the English votive style in the Eton Choirbook and the Caius Choirbook.

Biography He was born in Deeping Gate, Lincolnshire, to William Fayrfax, Esquire, of Deeping Gate and Ann Tanfield, daughter of Robert Tanfield, Keeper of Arms of St Mary Aldermanbury. He had the patronage of the leading cultural figure of Henry VII's court, the king's mother Lady Margaret Beaufort (1443–1509). He became a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal by 6 December 1497. He was granted a chaplaincy of the Free Chapel at Snodhill Castle near Dorstone, a post which was given away a year later to Robert Cowper, another Gentleman. Fayrfax was at court at Richmond Palace on 28 March 1502 when Elizabeth of York, the wife of Henry VII, gave him 20 shillings for "setting an Anthem of oure lady and Saint Elizabeth". This 'Anthem' is almost certainly Eterne laudis lilium considering its acrostic ELISABETH REGINA ANGLIE ('Elizabeth Queen of England') and its references to both Mary and Elizabeth.

Fayrfax is reported as being the organist of St Albans Abbey responsible for the music there from 1498 to 1502. he later acquired a D.Mus. from Oxford (by incorporation) in 1511. He received payments for clothes for state occasions and for tutoring choirboys. and following O Maria deo grata, 'Dignum doctore ut semper' ('worthy of the doctor as always').

He has been described as 'the leading figure in the musical establishment of his day' His work was a major influence on later composers, including John Taverner (1490–1545) and Thomas Tallis (1505–85).

Recordings The Masses (Missa O Quam Glorifica, Missa Tecum Principium, Missa Albanus, Missa O Bone Jhesu, Missa Regali Ex Progenie). Andrew Carwood/David Skinner: The Cardinall's Musick. ASV's Gaudeamus label: 3 CDs CDGAX353.