First Book of Ayres

The "First Booke of Songs or Ayres of 4 Parts" is a collection of songs by Francis Pilkington, published in 1605. This work is an example of the ayre, a genre of solo song with lute accompaniment popular in England during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Pilkington's ayres, while influenced by composers like John Dowland, are often compared to the melodic style of Thomas Campion and Philip Rosseter. The collection includes 21 songs for either four voices or a solo voice with lute, as well as a pavane for lute and bass viol. While some critics find the structure of his songs to be less accomplished than others, pieces like "Rest sweet nimphes" are considered among his best. Pilkington also published madrigals and composed solo lute pieces.