Henry Lawes

Henry Lawes , 1596-1662, English composer. Both he and his brother William were prominent musician-composers, and Henry served the royal family in various capacities until the civil war. As music tutor in the family of the Earl of Bridgewater, he became acquainted with the great poets of the time. He wrote the music for Milton's masque Comus (1634) and for Carew's Coelum Britannicum (1633).

Lawes, Henry (b Dinton, Wilts., 1596; d London, 1662). Eng. composer and singer. Gent. of Charles I's Chapel Royal from 1626 and appointed as one of King's musicians 1631. Wrote mus. for Milton's masque Comus at Ludlow, 1634, taking part of Attendant Spirit. Reinstated in court posts 1660. Comp. anthem Zadok the Priest for Charles II's coronation, songs, and madrigals.

Lawes, Henry (1596–1662), and his brother William (1602–1645), English composers. Henry's 430-odd songs include settings of Carew (38), Waller (16), Herrick (14), Suckling, Lovelace, and, notably, of his friend Milton; he arranged the original performances of Arcades (c.1630) and Comus (1634), for both of which he wrote the songs. William composed much of the music for Shirley's The Triumph of Peace (1634) and the incidental music for several of D'Avenant's masques and plays.