Richard Mico (also Micoe, Micho, Meco, Myco; c.1590 –
c.1661) was an English composer. He was born in
Taunton, Somerset, the eldest of three sons of Walter
Mico. The family, originally called "Micault", had
immigrated to England from France several generations
earlier. The Micos were a merchant family: the
composer's cousin was Sir Samuel Mico (1610–65), who
settled in London by the 1630s, made his fortune in
overseas trade to become an alderman of London and
Master of the Mercers’ Company...(+)
Richard Mico (also Micoe, Micho, Meco, Myco; c.1590 –
c.1661) was an English composer. He was born in
Taunton, Somerset, the eldest of three sons of Walter
Mico. The family, originally called "Micault", had
immigrated to England from France several generations
earlier. The Micos were a merchant family: the
composer's cousin was Sir Samuel Mico (1610–65), who
settled in London by the 1630s, made his fortune in
overseas trade to become an alderman of London and
Master of the Mercers’ Company, and was knighted
after the Restoration.
Mico was appointed resident musician at Thorndon Hall,
Essex, in 1608. There, he worked for Sir William Petre
(William Byrd's former patron) as a music teacher for
the family's children, as well as composing for the
household. Surviving documents record the handing over
of the household instruments to Mico in 1608, including
five viols (with bows), a lute, organ and virginals.
While working for Petre, Mico adopted his employer's
faith, converting to Roman Catholicism.
In 1630 he was appointed as organist to Queen Henrietta
Maria, wife of Charles I, and held this post until the
queen's flight to Holland in 1642. He was buried at St
Paul's, Covent Garden, on 10 April 1661.
None of Mico's consort works were published during his
lifetime, but Christopher Simpson, writing six years
after his death, named him as one of the best composers
of fantasias.
A Pavane a stately dance in slow duple time, popular in
the 16th and 17th centuries and performed in elaborate
clothing.
Source: Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Mico).
Although this piece was originally written for Recorder
Choir, I created this interpretation of 2 Pavane(s) for
Woodwind Quintet (Flute, Oboe, English Horn, French
Horn & Bassoon)
PARTITION