Francis Cutting
1550-1603
The word “probably” is going to appear a lot in the following sentences on the life of Francis Cutting. He is the epitome of a Classical Byways composer. His music has survived but very few biographical details.
He was probably born in London. He probably worked for the household of the Howard Earls of Arundel.
He did have a large family, he probably had between eight and ten children.
What is certain is that he was a significant lutenist. Over 40 of his works survive though the exact number seems to differ according to the source you use.
As someone who never really read music well, I used to play the guitar by reference to “tab”. So was somewhat tickled to discover that most of Cuttings work survives in William Barley’s “A New Booke of Tabliture”!
He probably died in 1595 or 1596 but even that is uncertain.
Perfect for a contemplative moment (preferably longer than a moment!)
I thoroughly enjoyed this, it’s the sort of music that is easy to read to. Liz Pallett plays the lute & theorbo & I immediately think of her when listening to such divine music.