Holst, Gustav b. September 21, 1874 d. May 25, 1934 Composer. His symphonic suite "The Planets" (1916) is regarded as his masterpiece. A powerful, mystical work, it reflected the composer's fascination with the mythic and astrological aspects of the seven known planets beyond Earth (Pluto had not yet been discovered). Its best-known movements are "Mars, the Bringer of War," and "Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity." The central melody of the latter was adapted into a popular English hymn, which was performed at the funeral of Princess...[Read More] (Bio by: Robert Edwards) Chichester Cathedral, Chichester, West Sussex, England
Weelkes, Thomas [cenotaph] b. October 25, 1576 d. November 30, 1623 Composer. He was one of the foremost creators of English madrigals, or consort-songs. Weelkes' style is marked by an original approach to word-setting and a willingness to experiment with unusual harmonies. His best songs include "The Andalusian Merchant," "O Care, Thou Wilt Dispatch Me," "On the Plains," and "Cease Sorrows Now." Weelkes was born in Elsted, Sussex, and studied music at Oxford. He was organist at Winchester College from 1598 to 1602, and at Chichester Cathedral from 1602 until...[Read More] (Bio by: Robert Edwards) Chichester Cathedral, Chichester, West Sussex, England
b. September 21, 1874 d. May 25, 1934