Composer, Lutenist. A leading musician at the court of Henry VIII, he attained a position of great wealth and influence in the British musical scene. He consolidated all the official duties that later fell under the title Master of the King's Musick. Van Wilder was probably born in Millam, Flanders (now Belgium), and settled in England around 1522. From 1525 he rose steadily at the Tudor court, replacing composer Robert Fayrfax (who died in 1521) as a particular favorite of King Henry's, and eventually became a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber and Keeper of the King's Instruments. He also taught the lute to future monarchs Edward VI and Queen Mary. In 1539 Van Wilder was granted British citizenship, which enabled him to buy land and profit from the dissolution of England's former Catholic monasteries. Shortly before his death he was awarded a coat of arms by King Edward. His tomb at St. Olave's in London, still visible in 1733, can no longer be located. Van Wilder's successful career was a reflection of Henry's cosmopolitan tastes. His style blended Flemish polyphony with a lighter French touch and keen observation of English musical practice. Although he was famed as a lutenist, only one known lute piece by him survives; what we have are 32 fine songs to French texts, an impressive motet for 12 voices, "Deo gratias" (c. 1535), the church anthem "Blessed Art Thou that Fearest God", and several smaller works. William Byrd adapted some of Van Wilder's music for his own compositions.
Composer, Lutenist. A leading musician at the court of Henry VIII, he attained a position of great wealth and influence in the British musical scene. He consolidated all the official duties that later fell under the title Master of the King's Musick. Van Wilder was probably born in Millam, Flanders (now Belgium), and settled in England around 1522. From 1525 he rose steadily at the Tudor court, replacing composer Robert Fayrfax (who died in 1521) as a particular favorite of King Henry's, and eventually became a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber and Keeper of the King's Instruments. He also taught the lute to future monarchs Edward VI and Queen Mary. In 1539 Van Wilder was granted British citizenship, which enabled him to buy land and profit from the dissolution of England's former Catholic monasteries. Shortly before his death he was awarded a coat of arms by King Edward. His tomb at St. Olave's in London, still visible in 1733, can no longer be located. Van Wilder's successful career was a reflection of Henry's cosmopolitan tastes. His style blended Flemish polyphony with a lighter French touch and keen observation of English musical practice. Although he was famed as a lutenist, only one known lute piece by him survives; what we have are 32 fine songs to French texts, an impressive motet for 12 voices, "Deo gratias" (c. 1535), the church anthem "Blessed Art Thou that Fearest God", and several smaller works. William Byrd adapted some of Van Wilder's music for his own compositions.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
Advertisement
See more Van Wilder memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
