Michael Wise (1648–1687) was an English organist and
composer. He sang as a child in the choir of the Chapel
Royal and served as a countertenor in St George's
Chapel, Windsor, from 1666 until, in 1668, he was
appointed organist and choirmaster at Salisbury
Cathedral. In 1676 he became a Gentleman of the Chapel
Royal, and in the last year of his life was Master of
the Children at St Paul's Cathedral.
Wise is noted for his compositions of anthems. He often
composed for the unusual combi...(+)
Michael Wise (1648–1687) was an English organist and
composer. He sang as a child in the choir of the Chapel
Royal and served as a countertenor in St George's
Chapel, Windsor, from 1666 until, in 1668, he was
appointed organist and choirmaster at Salisbury
Cathedral. In 1676 he became a Gentleman of the Chapel
Royal, and in the last year of his life was Master of
the Children at St Paul's Cathedral.
Wise is noted for his compositions of anthems. He often
composed for the unusual combination of a duet of bass
and treble voices – for instance, in Old Chiron and
The Ways of Zion do mourn.
He was killed during a confrontation with a Salisbury
night watchman: "He had quarrelled with his wife on
some trivial matter, and rushed out of his house. The
watchman met him while he was yet boiling with rage,
and commanding him to stand and give an account of
himself, he struck the guardian of the peace to the
ground, who in return aimed a blow at his assailant
with his bill, which broke his skull, of the
consequence whereof he died."
Source: Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Wise_(musician))
.
Although originally written for Soprano & Bass soloists
and Organ, I created this Interpretation of the Anthem
"The ways of Zion do mourn" for Pipe Organ (2 manuals
w/pedals).