Thomas Causton facts for kids

Thomas Causton (sometimes spelled Caustun) was an English composer who lived in the 1500s. He was a musician who worked for the royal family in England.

Thomas Causton's Life and Work

Thomas Causton was a gentleman of the Chapel Royal. This meant he was a musician who performed for the English kings and queens. He served under three different rulers: King Edward VI, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I.

Not much is known about Causton's early life or family. Some historians think he might be the same Thomas Causton who lived in a town called Oxted in Surrey, England. This Thomas Causton had a family who lived in Oxted for many years.

In 1558, Queen Mary I wrote a letter supporting Thomas Causton. She asked the leaders of London to allow him to become a "freeman of the city." This would have given him certain rights and privileges in London.

His Music and Publications

Causton's music was published by a famous printer named John Day. In 1560, Causton contributed music to Day's book called Certain Notes. This book contained music for church services, like Morning, Communion, and Evening Prayer.

Later, in 1563, John Day published another book called Whole Psalmes in Foure Partes. This book included twenty-seven pieces of music by Thomas Causton. Some of his other musical works, like a Venite, a service (a collection of music for church), a Te Deum, and a Benedictus, are kept safe in the British Library today.

Thomas Causton passed away on October 28, 1569. After his death, another musician named Richard Farrant took his place at the Chapel Royal.

What Music Experts Say

Today, many music experts believe that Thomas Causton's music was mainly published because he knew John Day, the printer, personally. Famous music historians like Gustave Reese and Edmund Fellowes have described Causton as an "earnest but amateurish" composer. This means they thought he was very dedicated to music but perhaps not as skilled as other professional composers of his time.

John Day published almost all of Causton's known works. However, he did not publish any books of Causton's music after his death, which was common for very important composers. This makes some experts think that Causton might have also worked for Day as someone who checked or organized music for printing.

Recordings

You can listen to some of Thomas Causton's music today! Here are a few recordings:

• Yield unto God the mighty Lord performed by The Brabant Ensemble, conducted by Stephen Rice.
• Music from the Chirk Castle Part-Books also by The Brabant Ensemble, conducted by Stephen Rice.
• Turn thous us, O good Lord on the album Philip van Wilder: Complete Sacred Music & Chansons by Cantores Chamber Choir, conducted by David Allinson.