John Rutter is a very well known composer in England who specializes in choral music. He's a favourite with the royal family: in 2002 he wrote a setting for Psalm 100 which was commissioned for Queen Elizabeth II's jubilee service at St. Paul's Cathedral. Also, in 2011 he was commissioned to write a new anthem- This Is The Day- by Prince William and Kate Middleton for their wedding. It was played in Westminster Abbey during the ceremony.
Mr. Shakespeare needs, of course, no introduction. The lyrics of Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Winds are taken from Act II in his play As You Like It. It is a song sung by one of the characters- Amiens- and it comments on the ways of the world and the ingratitude of man.
Here's John Rutter's version:
-William Shakespeare
Blow, blow, thou winter wind,
Thou art not so unkind
As man’s ingratitude;
Thy tooth is not so keen,
Because thou art not seen,
Although thy breath be rude.
Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly:
Then, heigh-ho, the holly!
This life is most jolly.
Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky,
That dost not bite so nigh
As benefits forgot:
Though thou the waters warp,
Thy sting is not so sharp
As friend remembered not.
Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly...