Hugh Aston

Full biography Hugh Aston

Hugh Aston (c. 1485-1558) was an English composer of the early Tudor period. He is known for his innovative keyboard and church music writing. Although little of his music has survived to this day, he is regarded as one of the most important composers of his time. Hugh Aston wrote seven large-scale works which were admired for their complexity and originality.

Hugh Aston's early career is not well documented, but it is believed that he was educated at Oxford University. We also know that he spent some time in the service of the Duke of Norfolk, before moving to London around 1520. During this time he was associated with the royal chapel, and later with St. George's Chapel at Windsor.

Hugh Aston's music is characterized by its intricate polyphony, dissonant harmonies, and subtle use of chromaticism. He was particularly skilled at writing for keyboard instruments, and his works in this genre were, at the time, groundbreaking. Aston was also an adept composer of church music, and his sacred works were often performed in the most prestigious cathedrals of the day.

Despite the quality of his music and his significant contributions to English music, Hugh Aston remains a relatively obscure figure in music history. It is believed that many of his works were lost during the tumultuous religious and political upheavals of the 16th century. Nonetheless, his surviving compositions have gained a following in recent years, and his legacy as an innovative and skillful composer continues to inspire musicians and music lovers alike.