Michael East

Michael East was an English composer and musician active during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, roughly around 1580 to 1648. He's best known for his contributions to English madrigals and consort music, particularly for viols. East composed a variety of vocal and instrumental works, including anthems, madrigals, and fantasias, many of which were published in his seven books of music. One of his most significant collections, The Seventh Set of Bookes (1638), includes fantasias à2 and showcases his skill in contrapuntal writing.

East served as a lay clerk at Ely Cathedral and later at Lichfield Cathedral, where he produced much of his sacred choral music. While he's not as well-known as some of his contemporaries like William Byrd or Thomas Morley, East's work offers a rich glimpse into English musical life during the early 17th century and is cherished today by performers and scholars of early music.

Genres

Classical

Choral

Baroque

Early Music

Renaissance

Madrigal

Anthem

Latest Release

Amavi: Music for Viols & Voices by Michael East

Michael East•

Chelys Consort of Viols

Album - 19 Tracks - Released January 8, 2021