Robert Lucas Pearsall

Robert Pearsall was an English composer who revitalized an English interest in Renaissance compositional techniques. He spent most of his time abroad in Mainz, Karlsruhe and Wartensee Germany and other European cities. He studied with German masters of Renaissance music which is clearly demonstrated in the many madrigals which Pearsall composed. Genres of his works included madrigals, sacred works, numerous part-songs, instrumental overtures, marches, and fugues. Most memorable are his part-song "O who will o'er the downs so free," the six-part madrigal "O ye roses," and the eight part "Lay a Garland." His music was greatly appreciated both in Germany and England and Bristol was his English home where he returned on a number of occasions. Much of his music was performed by the Bristol Madrigal Society which pleased Pearsall greatly. As a skilled contrapuntal composer Pearsall was respected as was he for the time and efforts he spent in revitalizing the Renaissance art of composing. ~ Keith Johnson