John Bedyngham facts for kids
John Bedingham (who also went by names like Bedyngham or Bodigham; he died around 1459 or 1460) was an English composer from the early Renaissance period. This was a time when art, music, and learning were changing a lot.
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Who Was John Bedingham?
John Bedingham was a member of a group called the London Guild of Parish Clerks by 1449. He stayed a member until he died. In 1458, official papers showed he worked as a verger at St Stephen's Chapel in Westminster. A verger is someone who helps take care of a church.
His Possible Background
Some people think John Bedingham might be the same person as a John Boddenham. This John Boddenham was born in Oxford in 1422. He studied at Winchester College and later at New College, Oxford. An old book from the 1500s calls him 'Mr: Jo: bedyngham'. The title 'Mr' (which means 'magister' or 'master') suggests he might have gone to university.
His Music and Legacy
Bedingham's music was quite important, even though he probably never left England. His songs and pieces traveled to other countries and were found in music books across Europe.
Songs Thought to Be His
Sometimes, people mistakenly thought other composers wrote Bedingham's music. For example, a famous Italian song called O Rosa Bella was once believed to be by another composer, John Dunstaple. Also, a piece named 'So ys emprentid' is sometimes still thought to be by Walter Frye.
Why His Music Matters
Music experts like David Fallows have said that if all the music linked to Bedingham was truly his, he would be one of the most important composers of the mid-1400s. This shows how much his music was valued, even if we don't know everything about his life.
