Benjamin Cooke facts for kids
Benjamin Cooke (born 1734 – died September 14, 1793) was an English composer, organist, and teacher. He was a very talented musician who held important positions during his lifetime.
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Early Life and Musical Start
Benjamin Cooke was born in London. He was named after his father, who was also called Benjamin Cooke. His father was a music publisher in Covent Garden. He published important music, including works by the famous composer Arcangelo Corelli.
When Benjamin Cooke was just nine years old, he began singing. He was one of four boy singers, called sopranos, at the Academy of Ancient Music. This Academy was led by Johann Christoph Pepusch, who also looked after the boys' education. As Benjamin grew older, he became the Academy's librarian. After Pepusch passed away, Benjamin Cooke took over leading the Academy.
A Master Musician
Benjamin Cooke became a very respected musician. He earned special degrees in music from two famous universities: Oxford and Cambridge. He also joined the Royal Society of Musicians in 1760, just like his father had before him.
Organist at Famous Places
Cooke was the organist at Westminster Abbey for more than 30 years. This is a very famous church in London. He was also the master of the Abbey's choristers, meaning he taught the young singers. He even coached choristers who sang in an opera called Comala in 1792.
He also worked as an organist at the church of St Martins-in-the-Fields.
Cooke's Compositions
Benjamin Cooke wrote many different kinds of music. His Christmas Ode is a larger piece written in a style similar to Handel. It has been performed again in recent years.
He was also known for writing short, cheerful songs called glees. Some of his famous glees include:
- In the Merry Month of May
- Deh! Dove?
- How Sleep the Brave
- Hark! the Lark
- In vino veritas
Besides glees, he composed a lot of church music and organ music. Many of his original music papers are now kept at the Royal College of Music.
Later Life and Legacy
Benjamin Cooke passed away on September 14, 1793. He was likely buried in the west cloister of Westminster Abbey. After his death, Samuel Arnold took over his role at the Abbey.
Cooke's son, Robert Cooke, also became a musician. He was appointed organist of St Martin's in the Fields. Later, Robert Cooke followed in his father's footsteps and became the organist at Westminster Abbey after Samuel Arnold.
