Matthew Locke - How Doth the City Sit Solitary

English composer. Sang at Exeter Cathedral under Edward Gibbons. Traveled to the Netherlands in the 1640s, perhaps with exiled royalists; returned to England by 1651, possibly living near Hereford; collaborated with Christopher Gibbons on Cupid and Death(1653; rev. 1659), supplied music to several of Davenant's dramas, and was associated with figures such as Playford, Henry Lawes, and Christopher Simpson. Became royal composer-in-ordinary and composer for wind and violin music upon the Restoration in 1660; provided music for the coronation of Charles II in 1661, and was named organist to the queen in 1662. A difficult and vindictive personality, he was embroiled in many controversies in his later years; nonetheless, among his intimates was Purcell, who succeeded him as composer-in-ordinary and whom he influenced substantially. His extensive oeuvre includes anthems, motets, and services along with songs, dramatic works, and dance music.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Matthew Locke
• Anthem
• English anthem
• baroque
• purcell

[StMartinTours]

A fine piece, but the beauty of this type of music is spoiled by tuning in boring equal temperament.

[grantco1313]

@StMartinTours Since when do anything but keyboard instruments tune in non equal temperament?

[Antnelson13]

Really lovely!

[dis0guise]

A favorite of mine. One of the great settings from Lamentations, more accessible to Anglophones than e.g. Zelenka's (Latin, as are many). In the right frame of mind I am moved to tears by this one. 

[AkhmedSync]

@AkhmedSync Mendelssohn, that's who it reminds me of.

[AkhmedSync]

Sounds like it could have been composed at a much later date. Incredible.

[mrsneaky2010]

This is extraordinarily beautiful!!!..