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Thomas AshwellEnglish composer
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
Early Life and Career
Thomas Ashwell was born around 1478, although the exact date is unknown. By 1491, he was a choirboy at St. George's Chapel. Little is known about his early life before that.
Professional Positions
In 1493, Ashwell remained a choirboy. His name appears in the records of Tattershall College in Lincolnshire in 1502 and 1503. By 1508, he held an influential position at Lincoln Cathedral. He later served as cantor at Durham Cathedral, leading the boys' choir.
Musical Legacy
Only a small portion of Ashwell's musical output has survived. Two complete six-voice masses are preserved in the 'Forrest-Heyther Partbooks'. His secular work includes the song 'She may be callyd a sovrant lady', which appeared in a songbook in 1530.
Influence on John Taverner
Thomas Ashwell may have been a teacher to John Taverner, a prominent English composer and organist. Taverner was a choirboy at Tattershall during Ashwell's time there, and scholars detect Ashwell's influence in Taverner's works. Taverner may also have studied Ashwell's compositions from the choirbooks of Cardinal College, founded by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.
Legacy
Ashwell's reputation as a composer extended into the late 16th century. Thomas Morley mentioned him in his treatise 'A Plaine and Easie Introduction to Practicall Musicke' (1597). Notable works by Ashwell include the masses 'Missa Jesu Christe' and 'Missa Ave Maria'.
Death
Ashwell's death is believed to have occurred around 1527, as William Robson succeeded him as cantor at Durham Cathedral in that year.
