Robert Fayrfax facts for kids

Robert Fayrfax (born April 23, 1464 – died October 24, 1521) was an important English composer. He lived during the Renaissance period. Many people thought he was the best and most influential composer. This was during the time of King Henry VII and King Henry VIII.

Life of Robert Fayrfax

Fayrfax was born in a place called Deeping Gate, in Lincolnshire, England. He had a powerful supporter named Lady Margaret Beaufort. She was King Henry VII's mother. She helped him a lot in his music career.

By 1497, Robert Fayrfax became a "Gentleman of the Chapel Royal." This was a group of musicians who performed for the King. He also received a special job at Snodhill Castle. This job was given to another person a year later.

In 1502, Fayrfax was at Richmond Palace. Queen Elizabeth of York, King Henry VII's wife, gave him money. She paid him for writing a song called an "Anthem." This song was about "Our Lady and Saint Elizabeth."

His Education and Royal Connections

From 1498 to 1502, Fayrfax was the organ player at St Albans Abbey. He was in charge of the music there. He earned his first music degree (Bachelor of Music) from Cambridge in 1501. He then got his Doctor of Music degree in 1504. Later, he also received a Doctor of Music degree from Oxford in 1511.

When King Henry VIII became king in 1509, he also supported Fayrfax. The King gave him money from a farm in Hampshire. In 1514, Fayrfax became a "Poor Knight of Windsor." This was a special honor that came with a daily payment. He also received money for clothes for royal events. He even tutored young choirboys.

For four years starting in 1516, Fayrfax gave the King collections of his music. The King rewarded him with money. In 1520, he led the Chapel Royal during a big event in France. This event was called the Field of the Cloth of Gold. Robert Fayrfax passed away in 1521. He was likely buried at St. Albans.

His Music and Influence

Robert Fayrfax wrote many musical pieces. We still have six of his masses. A mass is a long musical work for a church service. He also wrote two Magnificats. These are songs based on a Bible passage. He composed thirteen motets, which are short religious songs. He also wrote nine part-songs and two instrumental pieces.

One of his masses, O quam glorifica, was the piece he wrote for his doctorate degree. Another mass, Regali ex progenie, was copied at King's College, Cambridge. Some of his other works are in a famous book called the Eton Choirbook.

His mass called O bone Jesu was ordered by Lady Margaret Beaufort. It is thought to be the first "Parody mass." This means it used parts of other existing songs.

People at the time called Fayrfax "the most admired composer of his generation." He was a very important musician. His music greatly influenced other composers who came after him. These included famous musicians like John Taverner and Thomas Tallis.

Recordings of His Music

You can listen to some of Robert Fayrfax's music today. There are recordings of his masses. These include Missa O Quam Glorifica, Missa Tecum Principium, Missa Albanus, Missa O Bone Jhesu, and Missa Regali Ex Progenie. These were recorded by Andrew Carwood and David Skinner. The group performing is called The Cardinall's Musick. They are available on ASV's Gaudeamus label.