Master of the Queen's Music facts for kids
The Master of the Queen's Music is a special job in the Royal Household of the King or Queen of the United Kingdom. When there's a King, the title changes to Master of the King's Music. This person is a chosen composer of classical music. Only one person holds this title at a time. It's a bit like the Poet Laureate, who is a special poet for the King or Queen.
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What is the Master of the Queen's Music?
The Master of the Queen's Music is a very important role. The person in this job writes music for special royal events. This includes things like anniversaries, marriages, funerals, and other important ceremonies. Imagine writing music for a royal wedding!
History of the Royal Music Role
The title was first created in 1626 by King Charles I. Back then, it was spelled Master of the King's Musick. This old spelling was used for a long time, until Sir Edward Elgar held the position from 1924 to 1934.
Who is the Current Master?
The current Master of the Queen's Music is Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. He started his job in March 2004. Unlike in the past, when people held the title for life, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies was appointed for a ten-year term. This change was made so that more talented composers could have the chance to serve in this special role.
Past Masters of Royal Music
Many famous composers have held this important position over the years. Here is a list of the people who have been the Master of the King's or Queen's Music:
- Nicholas Lanier (1625-1649 and 1660-1666)
- Louis Grabu (1666-1674)
- Nicholas Staggins (1674-1700)
- John Eccles (1700-1735)
- Maurice Greene (1735-1755)
- William Boyce (1755-1779)
- John Stanley (1779-1786)
- William Parsons (1786-1817)
- William Shield (1817-1829)
- Christian Kramer (1829-1834)
- Franz Cramer (1834-1848)
- George Frederick Anderson (1848-1870)
- Sir William George Cusins (1870-1893)
- Professor Sir Walter Parratt, KCVO (1893-1924)
- Sir Edward Elgar, Bt OM GCVO (1924-1934)
- Sir Henry Walford Davies, KCVO OBE (1934-1941)
- Sir Arnold Bax, KCVO (1942-1952)
- Sir Arthur Bliss, CH KCVO (1953-1975)
- Malcolm Williamson, CBE AO (1975-2003)
- Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, CBE (2004-appointed until 2014)
Images for kids
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William Shield, Master, 1817–29
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Sir Edward Elgar, Master, 1924–34
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Sir Peter Maxwell Davies
