Which composer would be most suitable for a madrigal choir performing a unit on William Shakespeare?

The choice of Thomas Weelkes as the most suitable composer for a madrigal choir performing a unit on William Shakespeare is appropriate because Weelkes was a prominent composer of madrigals during the late Renaissance period in England, a time that saw the flourishing of both madrigal music and Shakespeare’s theatrical works.

Weelkes' madrigals often drew inspiration from the themes of love, nature, and emotion, which frequently resonate with the poetic and dramatic elements found in Shakespeare's plays and sonnets. His pieces encapsulate the spirit of the English madrigal tradition while highlighting the lyrical qualities that make them perfect for a performance centered on Shakespearean themes.

In contrast, although Purcell, Bach, and Handel were all prolific composers, their musical styles and periods differ significantly from the madrigal tradition associated with Shakespeare's time. Purcell did contribute some notable works, but he is better known for his Baroque music and operas rather than traditional madrigals. Similarly, Bach and Handel represent the Baroque era, and their compositions are more elaborate and structured, focusing on different genres rather than the lighter and more intimate style characteristic of madrigals that directly parallel Shakespeare's work.