Child, William
Child, William
Child, William, English organist and composer; b. Bristol, 1606 or 1607; d. Windsor, March 23, 1697. He most likely studied with Bevin at Bristol Cathedral, and later pursued his education at Oxford (B.Mus., 1631; D.Mus., 1663). In 1630 he entered the royal service at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, where he shortly afterward became organist. He lost his position during the Civil War, but resumed it at the Restoration in 1660. He also became organist at the Chapel Royal. He was the organist at the coronations of Charles II, James II, and William and Mary. Child’s sacred music was highly regarded, especially his First Set of Psalmes (1639). Among his other sacred works were about 18 services, more than 60 anthems, a Te Deum, a jubilate, mass sections, and motets. He also wrote a few secular vocal pieces and some instrumental works.
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire