Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

1572

Death

:

1652

 

Benjamin Cosyn was a prominent English composer and musician of the 17th century. He was born in London in 1597, and little is known about his early life and education. However, it is believed that he received his musical training from his father, who was also a musician. Cosyn began his career as a musician in the Chapel Royal, where he served as a singer and lutenist. He later became a member of the King's Musick, a group of musicians who performed for the royal court. In addition to his work as a performer, Cosyn was also a prolific composer, and his works were highly regarded during his lifetime. One of Cosyn's most notable works is his collection of lute music, which was published in 1652 under the title "The Second Booke of Ayres and Dialogues." This collection contains a variety of pieces for solo lute, including preludes, dances, and variations on popular tunes of the day. The music is characterized by its intricate harmonies and virtuosic fingerwork, and it remains a popular choice for lutenists today. In addition to his lute music, Cosyn also composed a number of vocal works, including madrigals, anthems, and songs. His vocal music is notable for its expressive melodies and rich harmonies, and it reflects the influence of the Italian madrigal style that was popular in England during the 17th century. One of Cosyn's most famous vocal works is his anthem "O Lord, in thy wrath rebuke me not," which was composed for the Chapel Royal. This piece is a setting of Psalm 38, and it features a complex and expressive vocal texture that showcases Cosyn's skill as a composer. The anthem was highly regarded during Cosyn's lifetime, and it remains a popular choice for choirs today. Cosyn's music was also influenced by the French style, which was popular in England during the 17th century. This is evident in his use of dance rhythms and his incorporation of French musical forms such as the chaconne and the sarabande. Cosyn's music is also notable for its use of chromaticism, which was a relatively new technique at the time. Despite his success as a composer and musician, Cosyn's life was not without its challenges. He was married twice, and both of his wives died young. He also suffered from financial difficulties throughout his life, and he was forced to sell his music manuscripts in order to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, Cosyn remained dedicated to his music, and he continued to compose and perform until his death in 1657. His legacy as a composer and musician lives on today, and his music continues to be performed and studied by musicians and scholars around the world.

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