Wise, Michael

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Wise, Michael

Wise, Michael, English organist and composer; b. probably in Salisbury, c. 1647; d. there (killed in a dispute with the night watch), Aug. 24, 1687. He was a chorister at the Chapel Royal (1660-63). After serving as lay clerk at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor and at Eton Coll. (1666-68), he was organist and instructor of the choristers at Salisbury Cathedral (from 1668). In 1676 he also was made a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, and in 1687 he was appointed almoner and master of the choristers at St. Paul’s Cathedral. His extant works comprise some 31 anthems, 4 services, songs, and catches.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

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