Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

ca. 1560

Death

:

ca. 1610

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Thomas Robinson was a prominent English composer and lutenist of the Renaissance era. He was born in 1560 in Norwich, England, and was the son of a wealthy merchant. Robinson showed an early interest in music and began playing the lute at a young age. He received his early musical education from his father, who was also a musician. Robinson's talent as a lutenist was recognized early on, and he soon became a sought-after performer in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. He was appointed as a musician to the queen in 1584, and he remained in her service until her death in 1603. During this time, Robinson also performed for other members of the royal court, including the Earl of Essex and the Earl of Leicester. In addition to his work as a performer, Robinson was also a prolific composer. He is best known for his works for the lute, which include a number of solo pieces as well as duets and songs. Robinson's music is characterized by its intricate melodies and complex harmonies, which reflect the influence of the Italian Renaissance style. One of Robinson's most famous works is his collection of lute pieces entitled "The Schoole of Musicke." This collection, which was published in 1603, contains a variety of pieces for the lute, including preludes, fantasias, and dances. The collection also includes a number of songs with lute accompaniment, which were popular during the Renaissance era. Another notable work by Robinson is his collection of lute duets entitled "New Citharen Lessons." This collection, which was published in 1609, contains a variety of duets for two lutes, as well as a number of solo pieces. The duets in this collection are particularly noteworthy for their intricate counterpoint and complex harmonies. Robinson's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading lutenists of his era. His influence can be seen in the works of other composers of the time, including John Dowland and Robert Johnson. Despite his success as a musician and composer, Robinson's personal life was marked by tragedy. He lost his wife and two children to the plague in 1603, and he himself died of the same disease just a few months later. Robinson's legacy, however, lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and studied by musicians and scholars around the world.

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