Farrant, Richard

Farrant, Richard an eminent composer of music, and regarded as one of the fathers of Church music in England, was born in the early part of the 16th century, and died about 1585. His name appears on the list of gentlemen of the chapel to Edward VI in 1564, and he was afterwards organist and master of the choristers of St. George's Chapel, Windsor. His "compositions for the Church, simple as they seem, are so solemn, so devout, so tender, and affecting, that they may:challenge comparison with the sacred music of any age or country" (Pictorial Hist.). Many of his pieces are found in the collections of Boyce and Barnard. The best are, "Hide not thou thy face," "Call to remembrance," and "Lord, for thy tender mercy's sake." — Rose, New Genesis Biog. Dict.; Allibone, Diet. of Authors; Pictorial Hist. of England, 3:562 (Chambers' ed.). (J.W.M.)