John Bennet (composer)

John Bennet (c. 1575 – after 1614) was a composer of the English Madrigal School. Little is known for certain of Bennet’s life, but his first collection of madrigals was published in 1599. Life Bennet’s madrigals include “All creatures now” as well as “Weep, o mine eyes”. The latter is an homage to John Dowland, using part of Dowland’s most famous piece, “Flow, my tears”, also known in its pavane form as . Bennet’s life is mostly undocumented. Bennet did however leave behind evidence that his impact is great. Bennet dedicated his madrigal volume, These First Fruits of My Simple Skill the Endeavors of a Young Wit to Ralph Assheton in 1599. Assheton held civic office in both Lancashire and Cheshire, he was dedicated as a token for favours received. It seems probable, therefore, that Bennet came from the north-west of England, and was born about 1575 to 1580. ** I wander up and down ** Weep silly soul disdained AKA: Mourn silly soul disdained ** So gracious is thy sweet self AKA: So lovely is thy dear self ** Let go, why do you stay me AKA: My dear, why do you stay ** Come, shepherds, follow me ** I languish to complain me ** Sing out, ye nymphs AKA: Sing loud, ye nymphs; Shout loud,