Johnson, John

views updated May 21 2018

Johnson, John

Johnson, John, distinguished English lutenist and composer, father of Robert Johnson; b. c. 1540; d. c. 1594. He was made one of the three lute musicians to Queen Elizabeth I in 1579. Johnson was one of the most significant composers of lute music of his time, and helped to develop the lute duet. Many of his works survive in various MS collections.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

Johnson, John

views updated May 29 2018

Johnson, John (1732–1814). English architect, he built up a considerable practice. In 1782 he became Surveyor to Essex County, and in that capacity designed Shire Hall, Chelmsford (1789–91). He was responsible for the handsome County Rooms (formerly a hotel), Hotel Street, Leicester (1792–1800).

Bibliography

Briggs (1991);
Colvin (1995)

Johnson, John

views updated May 29 2018

Johnson, John (b c.1540; d c.1595). Eng. composer and lutenist at court of Elizabeth I from 1579. Developed lute duet. Earliest of major lutenists of period.

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