Master of the Queen's Music
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Master of the Queen's Music (or Master of the King's Music) is a post in the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom.
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.
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.
Sir Peter Maxwell Davies was appointed in March 2004 for a ten year period, unlike previous appointments which were for life.
Holders of the post have been:
- 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, KCVO (1893-1924)
- Sir Edward Elgar, Bart OM GCVO (1924-34)
- Sir Henry Walford Davies, KCVO OBE (1934-41)
- Sir Arnold Bax, KCVO (1942-52)
- Sir Arthur Bliss, CH KCVO (1953-75)
- Malcolm Williamson, CBE AO (1975-2003)
- Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, CBE (2004-14)
