In the late sixteenth century, English composers took the Italian madrigal and made it their own; first by translating popular Italian works, and then by writing English settings in the same style. These pieces were modeled on either the lighter works of composers such as Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi (c.1550-1609) or more serious works, especially those of Luca Marenzio (1553/4-1599). This ushered in a brief but active period in English composition; the composers are often called the "English School" of madrigalists. John Farmer is one of the least known of this group of composers, which includes Thomas Morley (1557/8-1602), Thomas Weelkes (1576-1623), and John Wilbye (1574-1638). In fact, the only solid information we have for this composer is for the years between 1591 and 1601 when he was active first in Dublin and then in London.

Farmer has the distinction, however, of composing one of the most popular pieces of this period, the madrigal "Fair Phyllis I saw sitting all alone". Using clever word painting, Farmer tells the story of the shepherdess Phyllis and her lover, who searches the hills for her before finally finding her. It is a pleasant piece to listen to, but more importantly, a fun piece to sing -- a primary goal of the madrigalists.