Richard Mico

Full biography Richard Mico

Richard Mico was an English composer born in Taunton , Somerset, around 1590. He is known for his works in the genre of consort music, particularly for viol consort. Mico was the eldest of three siblings and showed an interest in music from an early age. He later went on to serve as a chorister in the Chapel Royal in London and became an organist to Queen Henrietta Maria.

Mico's works are considered among the finest examples of the English viol consort. His compositions include pavans, fantazies, and fancies for viol consort. Mico's music was popular among the aristocracy and was frequently performed at court during the 17th century.

Despite his musical talents, Mico's financial situation was often precarious. He was imprisoned for debt several times throughout his life, and his compositions were published only sporadically. However, he continued to compose throughout his life, and his music remains highly regarded to this day.

Mico died in 1661, and although he was more well-known during his lifetime than he is now, his works still occasionally appear in concerts and recordings. Mico's music remains an important part of the English consort repertoire and continues to be studied and performed by musicians and enthusiasts today.