Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

ca. 1647 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England

Death

:

August 24, 1687 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

Michael Wise was a prominent English composer and musician of the Baroque era. He was born in 1648 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, to a family of musicians. His father, Henry Wise, was a well-known organist and composer, and his mother, Elizabeth, was a singer. Michael grew up in a musical environment and showed an early interest in music. Michael received his early education at the Salisbury Cathedral School, where he was a chorister. He showed exceptional talent in music and was soon appointed as the organist of the cathedral. He was only 18 years old at the time. Michael continued to work at the cathedral for several years, during which he honed his skills as a composer and musician. In 1676, Michael moved to Oxford, where he became the organist of Christ Church Cathedral. He also became a member of the Oxford Music School, where he studied under the renowned composer John Blow. Michael's time in Oxford was a period of great growth and development for him as a musician. He composed several works during this time, including anthems, hymns, and instrumental pieces. In 1680, Michael moved to London, where he became the organist of St. Bride's Church. He also became a member of the Chapel Royal, where he worked alongside some of the most prominent musicians of the time, including Henry Purcell. Michael's time in London was a period of great creativity for him. He composed several works during this time, including his most famous work, the anthem "The Ways of Zion Do Mourn." "The Ways of Zion Do Mourn" was composed in 1683 in memory of Queen Mary II, who had died of smallpox. The anthem is a masterpiece of Baroque music and is considered one of the greatest works of English choral music. It is a complex and emotional work that showcases Michael's skill as a composer. The anthem has been performed countless times over the years and is still widely regarded as one of the greatest works of English choral music. Michael continued to work as a composer and musician in London for several years. He composed several other works during this time, including anthems, hymns, and instrumental pieces. He also worked as a music teacher and was highly regarded for his skills as a teacher. In 1687, Michael was appointed as the organist of the Chapel Royal, a position he held until his death. He continued to compose and perform music throughout his life and was highly regarded by his contemporaries. He was known for his skill as a composer and his ability to create complex and emotional works. Michael died in 1687 at the age of 39. He left behind a legacy of great music and is still regarded as one of the greatest English composers of the Baroque era. His works continue to be performed and studied by musicians and music lovers around the world. In conclusion, Michael Wise was a prominent English composer and musician of the Baroque era. He was born into a family of musicians and showed an early interest in music. He received his early education at the Salisbury Cathedral School and went on to become the organist of several churches and cathedrals. He composed several works during his lifetime, including his most famous work, "The Ways of Zion Do Mourn." Michael was highly regarded for his skills as a composer and musician and left behind a legacy of great music.

More....