Composer. The younger brother of composer Henry Lawes, he is considered the most important creator of English stage music before Henry Purcell. In 1635 he became "musician-in-ordinary" to King Charles I, with the task of writing music for the masques (entertainments) performed at court. Among the playwrights he collaborated with were Ben Jonson, James Shirley, and Sir William D'Avenant. Nicknamed "Gentle Willy", Lawes was widely beloved for his good-natured charm and he enjoyed the personal friendship of King Charles, who appointed him to the Royal Lifeguards just to have him around. During the Civil War he accompanied the King to the Siege of Chester; despite a royal command to stay out of harm's way, he got involved in a skirmish and was killed. Charles mourned him as the "Father of Musick". On the 350th anniversary of Lawes' death in 1995, British scholars attempted to locate his gravesite in Chester, without success. His instrumental music is available on CD.
Composer. The younger brother of composer Henry Lawes, he is considered the most important creator of English stage music before Henry Purcell. In 1635 he became "musician-in-ordinary" to King Charles I, with the task of writing music for the masques (entertainments) performed at court. Among the playwrights he collaborated with were Ben Jonson, James Shirley, and Sir William D'Avenant. Nicknamed "Gentle Willy", Lawes was widely beloved for his good-natured charm and he enjoyed the personal friendship of King Charles, who appointed him to the Royal Lifeguards just to have him around. During the Civil War he accompanied the King to the Siege of Chester; despite a royal command to stay out of harm's way, he got involved in a skirmish and was killed. Charles mourned him as the "Father of Musick". On the 350th anniversary of Lawes' death in 1995, British scholars attempted to locate his gravesite in Chester, without success. His instrumental music is available on CD.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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