Edmund Hooper (organist) facts for kids
Edmund Hooper (born around 1553 – died July 14, 1621) was an English composer and organist. He worked at Westminster Abbey from 1588 to 1621. He was also an organist for the Chapel Royal from 1618 until his death.
Early Life and Career
Edmund Hooper was born in North Halberton, Devon, around 1553. It's believed he was a young singer, called a chorister, at Exeter Cathedral. He later went to school in Greenwich.
By 1582, Hooper was singing in the choir at Westminster Abbey. He became the Master of the Choristers there in 1588. This meant he was in charge of the young singers. He was also the first official organist at the Abbey.
Working for Royalty
On March 1, 1604, Hooper became a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal. This was a group of musicians who performed for the King and Queen. He received special clothes for important events, like the funerals of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603 and Queen Anne in 1618.
In 1613, another organist, John Bull, left suddenly. Hooper took over some of his duties and salary. By November 1615, Hooper became a joint organist of the Chapel Royal with another famous composer, Orlando Gibbons. He held this important job until he died.
Edmund Hooper passed away on July 14, 1621. He was buried in the cloisters of Westminster Abbey.
His Music
Most of Hooper's music was written for church services. These pieces are called sacred anthems and liturgical settings. He also wrote seven pieces for keyboard instruments. Two of these are found in a famous collection called the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book.
Some of his anthems were printed in music books after he died. One of his pieces, "Hearken ye Nations," was written to remember the Gunpowder Plot. This was a time when a plan to blow up the Houses of Parliament was stopped. His music for this piece was very dramatic.
A music expert named Peter Le Huray noted that Hooper's music wasn't used much later because the words were sometimes old-fashioned. However, he believed that Orlando Gibbons, who worked with Hooper, learned a lot from him.
