Master of the Queen's Music

Master of the Queen's Music (or Master of the King's Music) is a prestigious post in the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom.

Related Topics:
Royal Household - Sovereign - United Kingdom

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Given to composers of classical music, the post is roughly comparable to that of Poet Laureate. Duties are not clearly stated, though it is expected for the holder of the post to write music to commemorate important royal events, such as anniversaries, marriages and deaths, and to accompany ceremonial occasions.

Related Topics:
Composer - Classical music - Poet Laureate

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The title was created in 1626 by Charles I as Master of the King's Musick (a spelling which was used until the appointment of Malcolm Williamson) and was first given to Nicholas Lanier. At that time the holder of the post took charge of the monarch's private band, a responsibility which continued until the band was dissolved in 1901.

Related Topics:
1626 - Charles I - Nicholas Lanier - 1901

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Sir Peter Maxwell Davies was appointed in March 2004 for a ten year period unlike previous appointments which were for life.

Related Topics:
Peter Maxwell Davies - March - 2004

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Holders of the post have been:

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• Nicholas Lanier (1625-49 and 1660-66)
• Louis Grabu (1666-74)
• Nicholas Staggins (1674-1700)
• John Eccles (1700-35)
• Maurice Greene (1735-55)
• William Boyce (1755-79)
• John Stanley (1779-86)
• William Parsons (1786-1817)
• William Shield (1817-29)
• Christian Kramer (1829-34)
• Franz Cramer (1834-48)
• George Frederick Anderson (1848-70)
• Sir William George Cusins (1870-93)
• Professor Sir Walter Parratt (1893-1924)
• Sir Edward Elgar (1924-34)
• Sir Walford Davies, KCVO OBE (1934-41)
• Sir Arnold Bax, KCVO (1942-52)
• Sir Arthur Bliss, CH KCVO (1953-75)
• Sir Malcolm Williamson, CBE AO (1975-2003)
• Sir Peter Maxwell Davies (2004-2014)