Richard Allison (composer) facts for kids
Richard Alison was an English composer who lived a long time ago, from around 1560-1570 until before 1610. He wrote a famous piece of music called de la Tromba. This piece was for a group of instruments called a broken consort. Many musicians have recorded de la Tromba, and it became very well known thanks to the Julian Bream Consort.
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About Richard Alison
Richard Alison was a talented musician and composer. He was known to work for important people during his time. In 1599, he worked for the Countess of Warwick. Later, he worked for Sir John Scudamore.
His Music and Books
Alison published several collections of his music. In 1599, he released The Psalms of David in Meter. Later, in 1606, he published An Hour's Recreation in musicke, apt for instruments and voyces. His music also appeared in books by other famous composers like Michael East and Thomas Ravenscroft. Some of his pieces were also in Thomas Morley's collection for a broken consort.
When Alison published his Psalmes, he mentioned that the late Ambrose Dudley, 3rd Earl of Warwick, was his "good Lord and Master." This shows he had a close connection to important families.
His Life and Family
In 1599, when he published his Psalmes of David in Meter, Richard Alison lived in London. His address was Dukes Place, near Aldgate. He described himself as a "gentleman" and a "practitioner" of music. This book even included his family's coat of arms, which gives us clues about his background.
Seven of his instrumental pieces were also included in Thomas Morley's First Booke of Consort Lessons in the same year.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1606, Alison published An Howres Recreation in Musicke. In this book, he thanked Sir John Scudamore, who lived in Holme Lacy near Hereford, for being his supporter. After this, we don't hear much about Richard Alison. He might have passed away by 1609. This is because a collection of music called Lessens for Consort by Philip Rosseter, published in 1609, included four of Alison's songs. The book also mentioned that most of the music was by composers "whose memorie only remaines," meaning they were no longer alive.
Known Works
Richard Alison wrote many pieces of music. Here are some of his well-known works:
- Goe from my window
- The Batchelars Delight
- De la Tromba Pavin
- Alison's Knell
His lute music, along with arrangements for other instruments like the bandora and cittern, was collected and published in 1994. This collection also included a short story about his life.
