Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

1695

Death

:

May 21, 1749

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Thomas Kelway was a British composer and organist who lived during the Baroque era. He was born in 1695 in the town of Bath, England, to a family of musicians. His father, Thomas Kelway Sr., was a well-known organist and composer, and his mother, Mary Kelway, was a singer. Kelway showed an early interest in music and began studying the organ with his father at a young age. He quickly became a skilled player and began performing in public concerts by the age of 12. In 1712, he was appointed as the organist at St. Mary's Church in Bath, a position he held for the rest of his life. Kelway's early compositions were heavily influenced by the music of his father and other Baroque composers such as Handel and Purcell. He wrote a number of works for the organ, including preludes, fugues, and voluntaries, which were often performed during church services. In addition to his work as an organist and composer, Kelway was also a music teacher. He taught several prominent musicians of the time, including the composer and organist John Stanley. One of Kelway's most famous works is his set of six harpsichord sonatas, which were published in 1730. These sonatas are notable for their intricate counterpoint and use of ornamentation, which were characteristic of the Baroque style. They were well-received by audiences and helped to establish Kelway as a respected composer. Kelway's other notable works include his anthem "O Praise the Lord," which was composed for the coronation of King George II in 1727, and his "Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings," which was performed at the famous Handel Festival in 1784. Despite his success as a composer and musician, Kelway's personal life was marked by tragedy. He lost his wife and several of his children to illness, and he himself suffered from poor health in his later years. He died in 1749 at the age of 54. Today, Kelway is remembered as one of the most important composers of the Baroque era in England. His works continue to be performed and studied by musicians and music scholars around the world.

More....