Anthony Holborne facts for kids
Anthony Holborne (born around 1545 – died November 29, 1602) was an important English composer. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He wrote music for instruments like the lute and cittern. He also composed for groups of instruments called consorts.
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Who Was Anthony Holborne?
Anthony Holborne was a well-known musician in his time. He was highly respected by other composers. For example, John Dowland, another famous composer, dedicated a song to him. Holborne worked for important people. He served Queen Elizabeth I herself. He also worked for the Countess of Pembroke, Mary Sidney. Later, he joined the household of Sir Robert Cecil.
Holborne's Early Life
We don't know everything about Holborne's early life. He might have studied at Cambridge University around 1562. He may have also studied law in London in 1565. We do know that Anthony was the brother of another composer, William Holborne. Anthony married Elisabeth Marten on June 14, 1584. He passed away in November 1602 from a "cold."
What Music Did Holborne Write?
Anthony Holborne wrote many pieces of music. His works are still enjoyed today. He often composed for specific instruments. He also wrote for groups of instruments playing together.
The Cittarn Schoole
Holborne's first known music book was The Cittarn Schoole. It was published in 1597. This book was full of pieces written for the cittern. A cittern is a stringed instrument, a bit like a guitar. Holborne wrote that these pieces were from his younger years. He said they showed his "slender skill" at the time.
Pavans, Galliards, Almains
In 1599, Holborne published another big collection. It was called Pavans, Galliards, Almains and other short Aeirs. This book had 65 of his own compositions. It was the largest collection of its kind from that period. Most of the pieces were pavans and galliards. These were popular dance styles. Other pieces were in the allemande style.
Holborne's Music in Space
One of Holborne's pieces even traveled to space! In 1976, a recording of "The Fairie Round" was made. This song is from his Pavans, Galliards, Almains collection. The recording was put on the Voyager Golden Record. This record was sent into space on the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 space probes in 1977. It was meant to show human culture to any aliens who might find it.
