Clement Woodcock: Elizabethan Composer and His Fascinating Works
Clement Woodcock (c. 1540–1590) was a notable English composer, organist, and singer during the Elizabethan period. His career included distinguished appointments, such as lay clerk at King's College, Cambridge, singer at Canterbury Cathedral, and later organist and Master of the Choristers at Chichester Cathedral, where he also became a priest vicar after taking holy orders in 1574.
Artistic Contributions and Style
Woodcock specialized in sophisticated consort music for viols, distinctively not tied to vocal models—a progressive style for his time. He is best known for his instrumental works, particularly those composed for the consort ensembles popular during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. One of his celebrated pieces, Browning my dear (based on the tune also known as "The leaves be green"), exemplifies his approach of adapting popular melodies into intricate instrumental arrangements.
Featured Work: "Musique of Violenze" (English Orpheus 42)
The album "Musique of Violenze: Dances & Popular Tunes for Queen Elizabeth’s Violin Band," performed by The Parley of Instruments, showcases a repertoire of various composers. It presents various dances and popular tunes of the era, reflecting the lively musical culture of Elizabethan court entertainment. The selections represent the vibrant role of the violin band (or "consort of viols") in royal ceremonies and festivities, with Woodcock’s works forming a significant part of this tradition.
Notable Compositions
While only a handful of Woodcock's pieces survive, his music is recognized for its sophistication and invention. His extant works, which are available in modern editions and recordings, emphasize his command over instrumental textures and Renaissance counterpoint. The most widely noted title among his surviving works is "Browning my dear."