Philip Rosseter

Full biography Philip Rosseter

Philip Rosseter was an English composer and lutenist who lived between 1568 and May 5, 1623. He was among the most prominent musicians of his time, as well as a notable figure during the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. Rosseter is best known for his collaboration with poet and composer Thomas Campion on A Book of Ayres , which was published in 1601.

Rosseter was a versatile composer and wrote works for a variety of ensembles, including solo lute music and broken consort music. He also collaborated with other composers of the time, such as John Dowland and Alfonso Ferrabosco the Younger. In addition to his musical works, Rosseter was also known for his skill as a lutenist and was highly regarded as a performer.

Some literary critics have suggested that Campion may have written the poems for Rosseter's songs in A Book of Ayres, although this theory is still a matter of debate among scholars. Rosseter's contributions to the book, however, cannot be denied, as his compositions make up nearly half of the collection.

Rosseter's legacy as a composer and musician continues to be celebrated today. His music has been recorded and performed by various ensembles around the world, and he is recognized as an important figure in the development of English lute music and song during the Renaissance period.