Jeremiah Clarke facts for kids

Jeremiah Clarke (born around 1674 – died December 1, 1707) was an English Baroque composer and organist. He is most famous for his piece called Prince of Denmark's March, which many people know as the Trumpet Voluntary. This popular song is often played at weddings and graduation ceremonies.

About Jeremiah Clarke

Jeremiah Clarke was likely born in London, England, around 1674. We don't know the exact date.

He was a student of a famous musician named John Blow at St Paul's Cathedral. He also sang in the choir at the Chapel Royal in 1685.

Clarke worked as an organist at Winchester College from 1692 to 1695. Later, from 1699 to 1704, he was an organist at St Paul's Cathedral. He also became an organist at the Chapel Royal, sharing the job with his friend, William Croft.

His Most Famous Music

Today, Clarke is best known for the Prince of Denmark's March. This piece is often called the Trumpet Voluntary. He wrote it around 1700. It was originally for a harpsichord or a group of wind instruments.

For many years, people thought this song was written by another composer, Henry Purcell. This was because it was published with Purcell's name on it by mistake. Even a famous conductor, Sir Henry J. Wood, helped spread this idea. He made orchestral versions of the song.

Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary is a very popular choice for wedding music. It has even been played at royal weddings!

Another well-known piece, the Trumpet Tune in D, was also sometimes wrongly thought to be by Purcell. This song came from an opera called The Island Princess (1699). Clarke worked on this opera with Daniel Purcell, who was Henry Purcell's younger brother or cousin. This might have added to the confusion.

Jeremiah Clarke's Music

Here are some of the musical pieces Jeremiah Clarke wrote:

• Prince of Denmark's March, also known as Trumpet Voluntary. This is part of his Suite in D Major.
• Trumpet Tune in D, from the opera The Island Princess.
• Music for the harpsichord and organ.
• Music for small groups of instruments (chamber music).
• Church music, including 20 anthems (songs for choirs) and other religious pieces.
• Music for plays and shows.
• King William's March.
• An ode (a type of poem set to music) for the death of Henry Purcell.
• Music for Dryden's ode called Alexander's Feast.
• The hymn tune 'Uffingham'.
• The hymn tune 'St.Magnus' (Nottingham).

See also

In Spanish: Jeremiah Clarke para niños