Robert Fayrfax

English composer Robert Fayrfax (1464-1521) was a favorite composer to Henry VII and a member of Henry's court. First identified as a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal in 1497, Fayrfax obtained doctorates in music from both Oxford and Cambridge. He furnished the music for the funeral of Henry VII and for the coronation of Henry VII; Fayrfax was made a Knight of the King's Alms in 1514. Fayrfax is represented by 29 surviving compositions, including six masses, several single liturgical pieces, instrumental dances, and songs. Of these works, the Missa O quam glorifica (1504) and the Missa Albanus are the best known.