December 25 - Orlando Gibbons (The Musical Birthday Series)

Orlando Gibbons (bapt. 25 December 1583 – 5 June 1625) was a composer and organist, a few of whose pieces remain in the active repertoire.  We do not know when he was born, so as is my custom in these cases, I'm celebrating the first date we have. 

Orlando Gibbons, KJV

Picture him in silk and lace

   Exploring all the styles

Current in his time and place

   For keyboard, voice, or viols.

The elegance of James’s court

   Called for grace and ribbons,

And, I’m happy to report,

   The musicking of Gibbons.

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