In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer George Jeffreys.
George Jeffreys
1610-1685
George Jeffreys was an English composer during the period that saw the introduction of the Italian seconda pratica to northern Europe. Jeffreys was organist to Charles I at Oxford in 1643. From about 1648 till his death he held the post of steward to the Hattons of Kirby, Northamptonshire. Many of Jeffreys’ letters are preserved in the Hatton-Finch correspondence; they cover a period of nearly forty years. From 1648 Jeffreys resided at Little Weldon. He composed numerous anthems and motets, many of which are in manuscript in the Aldrich collection, Christ Church, Oxford. The library of the Royal College of Music also has music by him. His unique compositional approach provided him with great rapport both nationally and internationally.
Suggested Choral Works:
- A Music Strange (Novello 29-0531-00)
- Rise, heart, thy Lord is risen (Novello 29-0534-05)
- Look up, all eyes (Novello 29-0535-03)