A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Pilkington, Francis

by William H. Husk

PILKINGTON, Francis, Mus. Bac., Oxon. 1595, was a lutenist and member of the choir of Chester Cathedral. In 1605 he published 'The First Booke of Songs or Ayres of 4 parts: with Tableture for the Lute or Orpharion, with the Violl de Gamba.' In 1613 he issued 'The First Set of Madrigals and Pastorals of 3, 4 and 5 parts,' and in 1614 contributed two pieces to Leighton's 'Teares or Lamentacions.' In 1624 he published 'The Second Set of Madrigals and Pastorals of 3, 4, 5 and 6 parts; apt for Violls and Voyces'; on the title of which he describes himself as 'Chaunter of the Cathedrall … in Chester.' A part-song by him, 'Rest, sweet Nymphs,' is included by Mr. Hullah in his 'Vocal Scores.'

[ W. H. H. ]