Pelham Humfrey facts for kids

Pelham Humfrey (also spelled Humphrey) was an English composer. He was born in London in 1647 and died in Windsor on 14 July 1674. He lived during the Baroque period of music. Even though he died young at age 26, he greatly influenced other English composers. These included William Turner and Henry Purcell. Pelham Humfrey lived when England was getting its king back. This time was called the Restoration. Before that, England had been a republic for about 20 years. During that time, music was not allowed in churches.

Humfrey's Early Life and Training

We don't know many details about Pelham Humfrey's early life. It seems he became a choirboy in the Chapel Royal around 1660. The Chapel Royal was a group of musicians who performed for the king. While there, he showed great talent for composing music. Other famous boys in the choir with him were John Blow and William Turner.

Travels and Musical Style

As a young man, Humfrey traveled to France. There, he heard music by French composers like Lully. He also visited Italy and heard music by Italian composers such as Carissimi. These trips helped him develop his own unique musical style.

Working for the King

After his travels, he became a "Gentleman of the Chapel Royal." This was an important position for a musician in the king's court. He wrote many beautiful anthems, which are special church songs. The famous diarist Samuel Pepys once wrote that Humfrey was "showing off" with his new music. This might have been because Pepys preferred older styles of music.

Pelham Humfrey married the daughter of his old choirmaster, Henry Cooke. Later, he became the "Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal." This meant he was in charge of all the children in the king's chapel choir. He was also a composer for the court.

His Early Death

Sadly, Pelham Humfrey became ill and died at the young age of 26. He was buried in the cloisters of Westminster Abbey in London.

Pelham Humfrey's Music

Even though he lived a very short life, Humfrey composed a lot of music. His work was very important in shaping the English Baroque style. He mostly wrote music for churches, but he also composed some pieces for the theatre.

Musical Characteristics

Humfrey liked to write music that made people feel strong emotions. Some of his melodies have unexpected jumps and turns. He also used a lot of chromaticism. This means using notes that are outside the main scale, which can make the music sound more dramatic.

Famous Anthems

Some of his best anthems include:

• O Lord my God
• By the waters of Babylon
• Like as the hart

He also wrote 27 songs. Five of these were religious songs, and they are considered some of the best songs from that time period.