- Robert Jones (composer)
Robert Jones (c.1577 - 1617) English
lute nist and composer, the most prolific of the Englishlute song composers (along withThomas Campion ).He received the degree of B.Mus from Oxford in 1597 (St. Edmund Hall). He ran a school in London (records show that he had a patent (monopoly) to train children for the Queen's Revels between 1610-15), and in 1610 collaborated with
Philip Rosseter to present plays at the Whitefriars theatre. He was recorded as a Gentleman of theChapel Royal 1612.He published five volumes of simple and melodious lute songs, and one of madrigals; he also contributed to the "Triumphs of Oriana" and Leighton's "Teares". His 27 madrigals are mostly to texts about birds – birds merry, sweet, shrill, crowing or melancholic.
William Shakespeare quoted his song, 'Farewell, dear love', in "Twelfth Night."It is not know when or where Jones was born or died.
Known publications:
* "The First Booke of Songes and Ayres", 1600, dedicated to
Robert Sidney, 1st Earl of Leicester (1563 -1626)* "The Second Booke of Ayres", 1601, dedicated to Sir
Henry Lennard, 12th Baron Dacre (1570-1616)* "Third book", 1605, dedicated to
Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales (died 1612)* The first set of madrigals of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. parts,
viols and voices, 1607, dedicated toRobert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury * "Ultimum vale, with a triplicity of musicke", ..., 1608
* "A Musicall Dreame, or the Fourth Booke of Ayres" ..., 1609, dedicated to Sir John Levinthorpe
* "The Muses Gardin for delight, or the Fift booke of Ayres onely for the Lute, the bass Violl, and the Voyce", 1611, dedicated to
Lady Mary Wroth (1587?-1651?)External links
* [http://www.vimeo.com/695911 Video of "What If I seek for love" by Robert Jones performed by Valeria Mignaco,soprano & Alfonso Marin, lute]
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