Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

1572

Death

:

1637

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Ben Jonson was a renowned classical music composer who was born on June 11, 1572, in Westminster, London. He was the son of a clergyman, and his mother died when he was very young. Jonson was educated at Westminster School, where he showed a keen interest in literature and music. He was a gifted student and excelled in his studies. Jonson's interest in music grew as he got older, and he began to compose his own pieces. He was influenced by the works of other composers of his time, including William Byrd and Thomas Tallis. Jonson's early compositions were mainly vocal pieces, and he wrote a number of madrigals and motets. In 1597, Jonson married Anne Lewis, and the couple had several children. However, Jonson struggled to make a living as a composer, and he was forced to take on other jobs to support his family. He worked as an actor and a playwright, and he wrote a number of plays that were performed in London's theaters. Despite his success as a playwright, Jonson continued to compose music throughout his life. He wrote a number of instrumental pieces, including sonatas and suites, as well as vocal works. His music was highly regarded by his contemporaries, and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. One of Jonson's most famous works is his "Masque of Oberon," which was first performed in 1611. The masque was a type of entertainment that was popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and it combined music, dance, and drama. Jonson's masque was a lavish production that featured elaborate costumes and sets, and it was performed for King James I and his court. Jonson's other notable works include his "Fantasia" for viols, which was published in 1609, and his "Pavan" for keyboard, which was published in 1612. He also wrote a number of songs, including "Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes," which is still popular today. Despite his success as a composer, Jonson's life was not without its difficulties. He was often in debt, and he had a reputation for being argumentative and difficult to work with. He was also involved in a number of scandals, including a brawl in which he killed a fellow actor. Jonson died on August 6, 1637, at the age of 65. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, and his epitaph reads, "O Rare Ben Jonson." Despite his flaws, Jonson's contributions to classical music were significant, and his works continue to be performed and admired today.

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