King Henry VIII as a young man

Henry VIII was born in 1491, became king in 1509 upon the death of his father Henry VII, and reigned until his own death in 1547. He was an enthusiastic and dedicated patron of the arts, especially music.

Before growing enormously fat and becoming the unhealthy and sad old man, he was an handsome young man, six feet tall, a great athlete and dancer, as well as being an accomplished musician.

The king’s interest in music was apparent from an early age. Indeed, one of the reasons the teenaged monarch was such an impressive and popular figure at the beginning of his reign was his devotion to music. He had received a thorough musical education and was accomplished at the lute, organ, and harpsichord; he could also sing well. One of Henry’s favorite activities was sight-reading songs with his courtiers.

Pastime with good company
I love and shall unto I die.
Grudge whoso will, but none deny,
So God be pleased, this live will I.
For my pastance
Hunt, sing, and dance.
My heart is set
All godely sport
To my comfort.
Who shall me let?

Youth will have needs daliance,
Of good or ill some pastance.
Company me thinketh then best
All thoftes and fantasies to digest.
For idleness
Is chief mistress
Of vices all.
Than who can say
But "pass the day"
Is best of all?

Company with honesty
Is virtue, and vice to flee.
Company is good or ill
But every man hath his free will.
The best ensue,
The worst eschew,
My mind shall be.
Virtue to use,
Vice to refuse,
I shall use me.

King Henry VIII as an older man

The songbook known as "Henry VIII’s Book" (1513) contains thirty-three compositions by the king, as well as works by other composers. One of these songs is "Pastime with good company".

At one time, the court of King Henry VIII had 63 musicians employed, including two instrument repairmen! A musical king made this a wonderful time for musicians.