Thomas Weelkes (c.1576-1623) was an English composer and organist of the late Renaissance. He became one of the notable madrigalists of Elizabethan and Jacobean England.

His works include madrigals, anthems and services. Pieces such as As Vesta was from Latmos Hill descending show his lively word painting and contrapuntal skill.

Weelkes’s music can be vivid, witty and expressive, with a keen ear for text and vocal colour. His sacred works show a more serious side of the same strong craft.

His life appears to have been turbulent, but the music remains bright and sharply made. Weelkes gives English Renaissance polyphony both elegance and a raised eyebrow.