A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Farmer, Thomas

FARMER, Thomas, Mus. Bac., was originally one of the Waits of London, and graduated at Cambridge in 1684. He composed instrumental music for the theatre and contributed some songs to 'The Theater of Music,' 1685–87, and to, D'Urfey's Third Collection of Songs, 1685. In 1686 he published 'A Consort of Musick in four parts, containing thirty-three Lessons beginning with an Overture,' and in 1690 'A Second Consort of Musick in four parts, containing eleven Lessons, beginning with a Ground.' Purcell composed an Elegy, written by Nahum Tate, upon his death (printed in Orpheus Britannicus, ii. 35) from which it may be inferred that he died young.

[ W. H. H. ]