Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

ca. 1563 in Stanton St. John

Death

:

March, 1647 in London, England

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Choral

 

John Milton was a renowned classical music composer who was born on December 9, 1608, in London, England. He was the son of a scrivener, John Milton Sr., and his wife, Sarah Jeffrey. Milton's father was a music enthusiast who played the organ and the harp, and he introduced his son to music at an early age. Milton's mother was also musically inclined and played the lute. Milton's musical education began at home, where he learned to play the keyboard and the lute. He also received formal music lessons from a local musician, Thomas Young. Young was a skilled musician who taught Milton the basics of music theory and composition. Milton was a quick learner and showed great promise as a musician. In 1625, Milton enrolled at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he studied classics and theology. While at Cambridge, Milton continued to pursue his passion for music and composed several pieces for the college choir. He also wrote poetry and prose, which would later become some of his most famous works. After completing his studies at Cambridge, Milton returned to London and began working as a private tutor. He continued to compose music and wrote several pieces for the church. In 1632, Milton married Mary Powell, but the marriage was short-lived, and they separated after just a few months. This experience would later inspire Milton's famous work, "Paradise Lost." In the 1640s, Milton became involved in politics and supported the Puritan cause. He wrote several political pamphlets and became a vocal advocate for freedom of speech and the press. During this time, Milton also composed some of his most famous works, including "L'Allegro," "Il Penseroso," and "Comus." In 1649, Milton was appointed as the Secretary for Foreign Tongues by the Council of State. In this role, he was responsible for translating official documents into Latin and other languages. He also wrote several political tracts, including "The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates," which argued for the right of the people to overthrow a tyrannical government. In 1652, Milton married his second wife, Katherine Woodcock. They had four children together, but only one survived infancy. Katherine died in 1658, and Milton was devastated by her loss. In 1660, after the restoration of the monarchy, Milton was arrested and briefly imprisoned for his political views. He was released after a few months but was forced to go into hiding for a time. During this period, Milton continued to write and composed some of his most famous works, including "Paradise Lost," which was published in 1667. "Paradise Lost" is considered one of the greatest works of English literature and is an epic poem that tells the story of Adam and Eve's fall from grace. The poem is divided into twelve books and is written in blank verse. It is a complex work that explores themes of sin, redemption, and the nature of God. Milton's other famous works include "Paradise Regained," which tells the story of Christ's temptation in the wilderness, and "Samson Agonistes," a tragedy that tells the story of Samson's final days. Milton's works are known for their complex themes, intricate language, and powerful imagery. Milton's music is less well-known than his poetry, but he was a skilled composer who wrote several pieces for the church. His music is characterized by its simplicity and elegance and is often compared to the works of his contemporary, Henry Purcell. Milton died on November 8, 1674, at the age of 65.

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