Nicholas Ludford facts for kids
Nicholas Ludford (born around 1485 – died 1557) was an English composer from the Tudor period. He is famous for his special masses, which are church music pieces. These works are found in old music books from the early 1500s. These books include the Caius Choirbook in Cambridge and the Lambeth Choirbook in London. Ludford also wrote unique "Lady Masses." These were smaller music pieces for three voices. They were sung daily in smaller chapels. His music connects the styles of older composers like Robert Fayrfax and newer ones like John Taverner. Music expert David Skinner called Ludford "one of the last unsung geniuses of Tudor polyphony." This means he was a brilliant composer whose work was not fully appreciated until recently.
Contents
Ludford's Life Story
We don't know a lot about Nicholas Ludford's life. This is especially true when compared to other famous composers of his time. However, we can learn about him from old records. These records come from places like St Stephen's Chapel and St Margaret's Church in Westminster.
Early Years and Music Work
The first time we see Ludford mentioned is in 1517. He rented a place on King Street. This house belonged to Westminster Abbey. This might mean he sang in the Abbey's choir. He may also have worked at St Margaret's Parish Church. Ludford had a strong connection to St Margaret's throughout his life. There are no records of him working in big, famous choirs in London. So, we can only guess about his early career.
In 1521, Ludford joined the Fraternity of St Nicholas. This was a group for musicians. Joining this group was an important step for any musician in London. This membership helps us guess that Ludford was born around 1485. In 1522, he moved from King Street. He might have started working at St Stephen's Chapel in Westminster. This was a royal chapel.
Working at St Stephen's Chapel
Records show Ludford started working at St Stephen's on September 30, 1527. His job title was 'verger'. This title meant more than just a caretaker. By the 1460s, a 'verger' was often a skilled musician. They were hired full-time for important chapels. Ludford's job involved "many services in the skill of singing and organ playing." This suggests he was a very talented musician.
He likely worked as a singer from about 1524. By 1527, he was trusted to help run the chapel's music. He probably played the organ for daily Lady Masses. He also sang for special Festal Masses when needed.
Connection to St Margaret's Church
Ludford's work also included St Margaret's Church. In 1533, St Margaret's paid him for a choirbook. This book probably had his own music in it. It might also have included music by Robert Fayrfax, a composer he admired. Some experts think Ludford helped create the Caius Choirbook. This book has many of his Masses and Magnificats.
Ludford stayed involved with St Margaret's for many years. He witnessed church records in 1537, 1542, 1547, 1549, 1551, and 1556. From 1552 to 1554, he was even a church warden himself. In this role, he helped bring back Catholic traditions. This happened during the reign of Queen Mary I. St Margaret's became his main focus after St Stephen's Chapel closed in 1547.
Ludford's Family and Death
Ludford was married twice. He married his first wife by 1543. She must have passed away. He then married Helen Thomas in St Margaret's in 1554. This suggests he was healthy even in his later years. Nicholas Ludford died on August 9, 1557. He was buried at St Margaret's Church. Some historians believe he might have died during a flu outbreak.
Ludford's Music Style
Unlike some composers of his time, Ludford did not change his music style. He did not adapt to the new rules of the English Reformation. No new music by him is found after about 1535. This might be because he was a very religious Catholic. He may not have wanted to change his complex musical style. It could also be that he was too old to learn new styles. Younger composers like Thomas Tallis and John Sheppard were able to adapt.
Musical Features
Ludford's music is known for its rich melodies. He also used voices in creative ways. Like John Taverner, Ludford wanted his music to sound grand and full of life. His work has been described as having "florid detail." This means it has many decorative musical parts. Music expert John Caldwell believes Ludford's music is more experimental than Taverner's. Caldwell also thinks Ludford was just as skilled as Taverner. He was good at counterpoint (combining melodies). He was also sensitive to the human voice.
Ludford's Masses
Ludford wrote 17 known Masses. This is more than any other English composer of his time. Three of these Masses are now lost. Three others only exist in parts. All of Ludford's Masses begin with a "head-motive." This is a similar musical passage at the start of each section.
His set of seven three-part Lady Masses is unique. These Masses were sung to honor the Virgin Mary. They were part of a music collection that once belonged to King Henry VIII. His Catholic queen, Catherine of Aragon, also owned them. The Lady Masses were probably written to be sung daily at St Stephen's Chapel.
Rediscovery of Ludford's Music
Few people mentioned Ludford during his own time. He was not widely famous. His music is not linked to any major historical events. In 1597, composer Thomas Morley called Ludford an "authority." But in the 1600s, Ludford's music was forgotten.
In 1913, scholar H. B. Collins brought attention to Ludford. His unpublished masses were then sung by the choir of Westminster Cathedral. In the 1960s and 1970s, scholar John Bergsagel published all of Ludford's Masses. The first recordings of Ludford's works were made in the 1990s. These recordings helped people hear his amazing music again.
List of musical works
http://www1.cpdl.org/wiki/index.php/Nicholas_Ludford
