John Banister

about

Јохн Banister was the son of one of the waits of the parish of St. Giles-in-the-Fields, and that profession he at first followed. His father was his first instructor, and he arrived at such proficiency on the violin that Charles II became interested in him and sent him for further education to France. On his return, Charles II appointed him to the post of leader of his own band, vacated by the death of Baltzar in 1663. About 1666–7 he is said to have been dismissed by the king for an impertinent remark concerning the appointment of French musicians to the royal band. This seems to be referred to in Pepys's Diary, date 20 February 1666–7, although Banister's name occurs in a list of the King's Chapel in 1668. On 30 December 1672, he inaugurated a series of concerts at his own house, which are remarkable as being the first lucrative concerts given in London. One peculiarity of the arrangements was that the audience, on payment of one shilling, were entitled to demand what music they wished to be performed. These entertainments continued to be given by him, as we learn from advertisements in the ‘London Gazette’ of the period, until within a short time of his death, which took place on 3 October 1679. He was buried in the cloisters of Westminster Abbey. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.

top songs

albums

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Henry Purcell:Close thine eyes

Doulce Mémoire

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Perpetual Night: 17th Century Airs and Songs

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Matteis: Ayrs for the Violin

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Heard This and Thought of You

English Lute Songs

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Music at the Court of Charles II

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Division-Musick

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Sweet Music for Bathing

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English Lute Songs (Hyperion)

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Apollo's Banquet

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If Love’s A Sweet Passion

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