William Cornysh the younger

The 24 compositions ascribed to "William Cornysh" are now accepted as the work of two English composers, William Cornysh the elder (ca. 1445-1502) and younger (ca. 1470-1523). To the father belong seven unusually florid sacred pieces in the Eton Choirbook, among the most famous works in that volume; yet other works may exist elsewhere and some are known lost. The son was the most popular member of a troupe that entertained in King Henry VIII's court, known for 15 part songs in a manuscript entitled "Henry VIII's Choirbook" and two instrumental pieces. Cornysh's song "A Robyn, gentle robyn" was known to Shakespeare.