Composer. He was named Master of Choristers at St. Paul's Cathedral in London in 1703, and joint organist of the Chapel Royal in 1704. His compositions include 20 church anthems and several songs and harpsichord pieces. Depressed over a rejected marriage proposal (his intended bride was of a higher social rank), he shot himself in the churchyard of St. Paul's. Given the circumstances of Clarke's death, it is ironic that his best known work, the "Trumpet Voluntary" (1700) for organ and brass, is most often played at weddings.
Composer. He was named Master of Choristers at St. Paul's Cathedral in London in 1703, and joint organist of the Chapel Royal in 1704. His compositions include 20 church anthems and several songs and harpsichord pieces. Depressed over a rejected marriage proposal (his intended bride was of a higher social rank), he shot himself in the churchyard of St. Paul's. Given the circumstances of Clarke's death, it is ironic that his best known work, the "Trumpet Voluntary" (1700) for organ and brass, is most often played at weddings.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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