Anthony Holborne

Elizabethan Composer and Musician

Anthony Holborne (c. 1545 – 29 November 1602) was a composer during the Elizabethan era. Not much is known about his early life, but he is recognized as one of the prominent composers for instrumental consort music of his time. Holborne's works include pavans, galliards, almains, and other dances which were typical of the period's court music. His collection titled "Pavans, Galliards, Almains and other short Aeirs both grave, and light, in five parts, for Viols, Violins, or other Musicall Winde Instruments," published in 1599, is also known as "The Teares of the Muses" and contains some of his most celebrated pieces. Holborne's music is characterized by its melodic beauty and formal elegance. His compositions were held in high regard by his contemporaries, including fellow composer John Dowland. Despite the limited information on his biography and career beyond his music publications, Anthony Holborne's contributions to Elizabethan consort music remain influential and are still performed and recorded today.