Gilbert Banester facts for kids

Gilbert Banester was an English composer and poet who lived a long time ago, from about 1445 to 1487. He was known for his music and poems, which sometimes showed influences from a region called Flanders.

Gilbert Banester: A Renaissance Artist

Early Life and Royal Service

Gilbert Banester was probably born in London. He worked for the king and was called a "king's servant" in 1471. Later, in 1475, he became a "Gentleman of the Chapel Royal." This was an important group of musicians and singers who performed for the king. King Edward IV also gave him special support, called "corrodies," which were like payments or provisions from abbeys.

Master of the Children

In 1478, Gilbert Banester became the "Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal." This meant he was in charge of teaching and training the young boy singers for the king's chapel. He held this important job until 1490.

His Music

Gilbert Banester wrote church music. His songs can be found in old collections of music from the Tudor period, like the Pepys Manuscript. One of his special songs, called an antiphon, is in the Eton Choirbook. This song is unique because it uses a prose text, which is like regular writing, instead of a poem. His musical style was similar to another composer from that time, William Horwood.

His Poetry

Gilbert Banester was also a poet. Two poems are believed to have been written by him. One is called Miracle of St Thomas and was written in 1467. The other is a translation of a work by an Italian writer named Boccaccio. This translation, from 1450, is thought to be the very first time Boccaccio's work was translated into the English language.

Gilbert Banester died in 1487.