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Hugh AstonEnglish composer of the early Tudor era.
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Biography of Hugh Aston
- Life in Leicester
- Music Career and Later Life
- Career as a Judge and Death
- Legacy
Biography of Hugh Aston
Early Life and EducationHugh Aston, an English composer of the Tudor era, was born around 1485, although the exact date and place of his birth are unknown. On November 27, 1510, he applied for a bachelor's degree at Oxford University, stating that he had studied music at the university for the past eight years. While formal records of his degree have not been preserved, his submitted musical works, a mass and an antiphon, are still held in the university archives, suggesting a successful defense of his degree. It is likely that Aston lived in London between 1510 and 1522, possibly working at the court of King Henry VIII.
Life in Leicester
By 1525, Aston had settled in Leicester, where he would reside for the rest of his life. He worked as the head of the choristers at the prominent royal foundation, the Hospital and College of St Mary of the Annunciation, which was established by Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster, and expanded by his son, Henry, 4th Earl of Lancaster. Aston initially received an annual salary of £10, just £2 less than the college dean, and by 1540, his salary had been increased to £12. Aston was a talented singer and organist, which allowed him to earn additional income, such as performing at funerals.
Music Career and Later Life
In 1525, Aston was recommended to Cardinal Wolsey, who was seeking a new musical director for Cardinal's College (now Christ Church College) in Oxford. Aston either declined the offer or was rejected for some reason, as the position was ultimately given to John Taverner. Nevertheless, Aston continued to collaborate with the royal foundation until its dissolution in 1548, receiving a pension of £12 per year. After the foundation's closure, Aston became a consultant for several major choral institutions in England. He resided in a house provided by the college, but it was taken away from him after the dissolution. However, Aston had already acquired his own residence, which remained in the Aston family for a long time.
Career as a Judge and Death
By 1530, Aston had established himself as a highly esteemed musician among the musicians in Leicester. From 1532, he served as a magistrate and worked as a coroner for at least two years. Aston worked as an auditor for 16 consecutive years and served as the mayor from 1541 to 1542. In 1555, he sat in Parliament and continued to serve as an alderman until his death. The exact date of Aston's death is unknown, but he was buried on November 17, 1558, in the parish church. In 2008, a service was held to commemorate the 450th anniversary of Aston's death, featuring performances of his compositions, including two antiphons and pieces for keyboard.
Legacy
Unfortunately, only a small portion of Aston's extensive musical legacy has survived to this day. However, this does not diminish his reputation as a great composer and innovator. Even today, he is considered one of the greatest creators of the Tudor era.
