John Bull is an outstanding composer and musician of the 16th century. He created many works for the harpsichord and organ, which were appreciated not only by his contemporaries, but also by descendants.
John Bull is known to descendants for composing music, playing the harpsichord and organ.
Biography
John Bull was born in the 16th century. His date of birth is not known for certain. But that was in 1562 or 1563. The future musician was born in Belgium, in the city of Antwerp.
When the boy was 10 years old, he was accepted into the choir of Hereford Cathedral. After all, even then his musical talent manifested itself.
In 1582, John became organist, and a year later he was appointed director of the choir.
He was a choir not only of the Cathedral, but also of the Royal London Palace Chapel. But since his Cathedral was in the city of Hereford, Bull had to travel long distances in order to sometimes go to London for a second job. Because of this, he was fired from the Cathedral. Then John Bull moved to work in London.
Career
When John was 30 years old, he was awarded a doctorate from Oxford, and at the age of 34 he was awarded the honorary title of professor of music, becoming the first person to be called that. This was also facilitated by the recommendation of Queen Elizabeth, she liked the talented musician.
John Bull played the organ at various ceremonies during receptions of foreign guests. Over time, John Bull learned how to make and tune organs. He collected these tools at the queen's court.
When his patroness was gone, King James I came to power. He even raised the salary of a talented court musician.
Personal life
Palace intrigues, secret connections, characteristic of that time, did not pass by Bull either. He had an illegitimate child. But John was not married. In 1613 he was accused of adultery, because of which he urgently left the foggy Albion and arrived in Flanders.
Here the talented musician was invited to the post of assistant organist at the Antwerp Cathedral. This was in 1615. And two years later Bull became the main musician in this cathedral.
The contribution that John Bull made to organ building, composition writing was widely appreciated by his contemporaries. But Bull remained to live in Antwerp, never returned to England.
Creation
John played great not only on the organ, but also on the harpsichord. For these instruments, he created several compositions, and also processed preludes, Catholic hymns, dance pieces so that they could be performed on these keyboards.
During his lifetime, one of his works was published, which included seven plays. Among them is a well-known and beautiful piece called "The Royal Hunt".
Bull also wrote not only solo compositions, but also for small ensembles, which at that time were called consorts.
The scores of the unique organist have survived to this day. Therefore, those who are proficient in playing keyboard instruments can try to reproduce the amazing old melodies.
