A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Bateson, Thomas

by Edward Francis Rimbault

BATESON, Thomas, one of the great English madrigalian composers of the Elizabethan period. The dates of his birth and decease are unknown; but we may infer that he was a young 'practitioner in the art' when he produced his 'First Set of Madrigals' in 1604, wherein he compares his compositions to 'young birds feared out of their nest before they be well feathered,' and hopes they will be 'so shrouded' in 'the leaves of his patron's good liking,' so that neither any 'ravenous kite nor craftie fowler, any open mouthed Momus or mere shy detractor may devour or harm them that cannot succour or shift for themselves.' At the back of the dedication to his 'honourable and most respected good friend Sir William Norres,' is the madrigal 'When Oriana walkt to take the ayre,' with the following note. 'This song was sent too late, and should have been printed in the set of Orianas' (a set of madrigals in praise of Queen Elizabeth, published in 1601). In 1599, five years prior to the date of his first publication, he was appointed organist of Chester Cathedral, which situation he held till 1611. [App. p.532 "He must have quitted Chester before 1611, as on Mar. 24, 1608–9, he 'was chosen Vicar-Chorall' of the Cathedral of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, commonly called Christ Church, Dublin, 'in y^e room of Mr. Steven Robinson, late Vicar of the said Church. Who was also admitted and instaled the same daye.' And on April 5 following he 'had leave from the Dean and Chapter for one week more to pass into England about his own business.' In the latter entry he is described as 'Vicar and Organist of this Church.' He is supposed to have been the first person who took a degree in music in the University of Dublin. (Chapter acts, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, vol. ii. p. 73)."] Shortly after this date he went to reside in Ireland, under the patronage of Lord Chichester, and in 1618 published his 'Second Set of Madrigals.' On the title-page of this work he styles himself 'Bachelor of Musick, Organist, and Master of the Children of the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Trinity, Dublin.' In the university of the latter, city he is supposed to have taken his degree. Bateson's first set of Madrigals was reprinted by the Musical Antiquarian Society, and specimens of his church music are in the same society's 'Anthems by Composers of the Madrigalian Era.' (The composer's works; Private Sources.)

[ E. F. R. ]