Composer. A leading British composer of the Tudor era, he provided a stylistic link between the Renaissance master Robert Fayrfax and the early Protestant stirrings of John Taverner. Ludford was 16th Century England's most prolific creator of full Mass settings; of his 17 known works in the genre, 11 survive complete and three are in fragmentary condition. They include his graceful cycle of seven daily "Lady Masses" (c. 1520), dedicated to Henry VIII and his wife Catherine of Aragon. Scored for three voices, these were originally sung by Ludford himself and two choirboys. His other compositions include the "St. Stephen's Mass" (c. 1510), a Magnificat and several Antiphons. He left no secular or instrumental pieces. Ludford was probably born in London. From 1510 to 1547 he was Choirmaster and verger of St. Stephen's Church in Westminster, and in 1521 he joined the Fraternity of St. Nicholas, a London clerk's guild to which many notable musicians of the day belonged. Historians believe he ceased composing after 1535 because, as a devout Catholic, he refused to provide music for the new Anglican Church. An apparently unambitious man, Ludford held no university degrees or jobs at the Royal Court, and for centuries his reputation was obscure; it was not until 1963 that a complete edition of his works was published. Since then his star in Early Music circles has risen considerably. A four-disc collection of his music was released in 1994.
Composer. A leading British composer of the Tudor era, he provided a stylistic link between the Renaissance master Robert Fayrfax and the early Protestant stirrings of John Taverner. Ludford was 16th Century England's most prolific creator of full Mass settings; of his 17 known works in the genre, 11 survive complete and three are in fragmentary condition. They include his graceful cycle of seven daily "Lady Masses" (c. 1520), dedicated to Henry VIII and his wife Catherine of Aragon. Scored for three voices, these were originally sung by Ludford himself and two choirboys. His other compositions include the "St. Stephen's Mass" (c. 1510), a Magnificat and several Antiphons. He left no secular or instrumental pieces. Ludford was probably born in London. From 1510 to 1547 he was Choirmaster and verger of St. Stephen's Church in Westminster, and in 1521 he joined the Fraternity of St. Nicholas, a London clerk's guild to which many notable musicians of the day belonged. Historians believe he ceased composing after 1535 because, as a devout Catholic, he refused to provide music for the new Anglican Church. An apparently unambitious man, Ludford held no university degrees or jobs at the Royal Court, and for centuries his reputation was obscure; it was not until 1963 that a complete edition of his works was published. Since then his star in Early Music circles has risen considerably. A four-disc collection of his music was released in 1994.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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