Richard Nicholson (musician) facts for kids
Richard Nicholson (born around 1563, died 1638 or 1639) was an English composer and organist. He was also the very first Heather Professor of Music at the University of Oxford. This was a special teaching job at the university.
About Richard Nicholson's Life
Richard Nicholson was born in Durham, England. He was baptized on September 26, 1563. From 1576 to 1580, he sang in the choir at Durham Cathedral.
In January 1596, he became the organist at Magdalen College, Oxford. An organist plays the organ, a large musical instrument. The next month, he earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Oxford.
A man named William Heather gave money, music books, and instruments to Oxford University in 1626. He wanted to help teach music there. Because of this gift, Richard Nicholson was chosen to be the first "Master of the Musicke." This job is now called the Heather Professor of Music.
Richard Nicholson was replaced by Arthur Phillips in November 1639. However, Nicholson might have died in 1638. Records from Magdalen College do not mention him after that year.
Richard Nicholson's Music
Most of the music we know by Richard Nicholson was written for choirs. He also wrote a few pieces for groups of instruments.
Choral Music
One of his choral pieces is "O pray for the peace of Jerusalem." This song shows the influence of another composer, Thomas Tomkins.
Another piece, "When Jesus sat at meat," was written for singers and instruments. It included parts for boy soloists and instruments called viols. Viols are string instruments, a bit like early violins or cellos. This piece was likely composed for the music classes Nicholson taught at Oxford.
Instrumental Music
Richard Nicholson also wrote "The Jews Dance" for an instrumental group. The Julian Bream Ensemble recorded this piece in 1988.
He also composed a Latin song called "Cantate Domino." This song was for five different singing parts. He might have written it to earn his degree at Oxford.
In 1601, Richard Nicholson also helped create a collection of songs called The Triumphs of Oriana.
