Thomas Tomkins: The Last Elizabethan

Thomas Tomkins was one of the most important composers of the English Renaissance. He was a master of polyphony and his music is known for its beauty, complexity, and emotional depth. Tomkins was born in 1572 in St. David's, Pembrokeshire, Wales. He was the son of a clergyman and received his musical education at the Cathedral School in Salisbury. Tomkins later became a chorister at Magdalen College, Oxford, and then a lay clerk at King's College, Cambridge. In 1604, he was appointed organist of Worcester Cathedral, a position he held until his death in 1656.

Thomas Tomkins: The Last Elizabethan

by Eva Marxen

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Language	:	English
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Tomkins was a prolific composer and wrote music in a variety of genres, including sacred and secular vocal music, instrumental music, and keyboard music. His most famous works include the anthems "When David Heard" and "O Praise the Lord, All Ye Heathen," the madrigal "The Fauns and Satyrs," and the keyboard pieces "A Fancy for Two to Play" and "In Nomine." Tomkins's music is characterized by its use of complex polyphony, its expressive melodies, and its rich harmonies.

Tomkins was a major influence on the development of English music. His music was admired by his contemporaries and later composers, and it continues to be performed and recorded today. Tomkins is considered to be one of the last great composers of the English Renaissance, and his music is a testament to the beauty and complexity of the period.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Tomkins was born in St. David's, Pembrokeshire, Wales, in 1572. His father, Thomas Tomkins Sr., was a clergyman, and his mother, Elizabeth, was the daughter of a local landowner. Tomkins received his early musical education at the Cathedral School in Salisbury. He was a chorister at the cathedral from 1585 to 1596, and he studied with the organist, John Lugge.

In 1596, Tomkins matriculated at Magdalen College, Oxford. He was a chorister at the college from 1596 to 1600, and he studied with the organist, John Bull. Tomkins graduated from Oxford in 1600 with a Bachelor of Music degree.

Career

After graduating from Oxford, Tomkins became a lay clerk at King's College, Cambridge. He held this position from 1600 to 1604. In 1604, Tomkins was appointed organist of Worcester Cathedral. He held this position until his death in 1656.

Tomkins was a prolific composer and wrote music in a variety of genres. His most famous works include the anthems "When David Heard" and "O Praise the Lord, All Ye Heathen," the madrigal "The Fauns and Satyrs," and the keyboard pieces "A Fancy for Two to Play" and "In Nomine." Tomkins's music is characterized by its use of complex polyphony, its expressive melodies, and its rich harmonies.

Tomkins was a major influence on the development of English music. His music was admired by his contemporaries and later composers, and it continues to be performed and recorded today. Tomkins is considered to be one of the last great composers of the English Renaissance, and his music is a testament to the beauty and complexity of the period.

Personal Life

Thomas Tomkins married Alice Woodward in 1607. The couple had seven children. Tomkins was a devout Anglican and a staunch supporter of the monarchy. He was a close friend of the composer William Byrd, and the two men often collaborated on musical projects.

Tomkins died in Worcester on June 9, 1656. He was buried in the cathedral there.

Legacy

Thomas Tomkins is considered to be one of the most important composers of the English Renaissance. His music is characterized by its beauty, complexity, and emotional depth. Tomkins was a master of polyphony and his music is a testament to the skill and artistry of the period.

Tomkins's music continues to be performed and recorded today. He is considered to be one of the last great composers of the English Renaissance, and his music is a valuable part of the Western musical tradition.

Sources

• Brown, A. L. (1999). Thomas Tomkins. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Le Huray, P. (1969). Thomas Tomkins: The Last Elizabethan. London: Barrie & Jenkins.
• Tomkins, T. (1991). The Collected Works of Thomas Tomkins. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Thomas Tomkins: The Last Elizabethan

by Eva Marxen

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	28220 KB
Print length	:	392 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE