Luke Flintoft facts for kids

Luke Flintoft (born 1680, died November 3, 1727) was an English clergyman and a talented composer. He is remembered for his unique contributions to church music.

Early Life and Career

Luke Flintoft started his musical journey as a chorister. He sang in the famous Choir of King's College, Cambridge. Later, he studied at Queens' College in Cambridge. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1700.

In 1704, Flintoft became a priest-vicar at Lincoln Cathedral. He worked there for ten years, until 1714. In 1715, he joined the Chapel Royal. This was a group of musicians who served the British monarch. Records suggest he might have been born in Worcester.

Later, in 1719, he became a reader at Whitehall Chapel. He also served as a minor canon at Westminster. Luke Flintoft passed away on November 3, 1727. He was buried in the cloisters of Westminster Abbey.

Flintoft's Special Chant

Luke Flintoft's famous Double Chant

Luke Flintoft is famous in music history for something called a "double chant." A chant is a simple melody used for singing religious texts. A double chant is a longer version. It has two parts that repeat.

Many people believe Flintoft's double chant in G minor was the very first of its kind. This makes it a very important piece of music. Some even call it "perhaps the most beautiful chant ever composed." It shows his skill as a composer.