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Orlando Gibbons

English composer and keyboard player, born at Oxford (1583-1625), he is recognized as one of the most important English composers of the early 17th century. His father, William Gibbons, was also a musician appointed in Cambridge, while his elder brother, [a3571423], was also a composer. In 1605 Orlando Gibbons was appointed to the prestigious position of organist of the Chapel Royal; in 1619 he succeeded Walter Earle as "one of his Majesty's musician"; in 1623 he became organist of Westminster Abbey. He composed secular and sacred vocal music, as well as instrumental music for solo keyboard or consort.