A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Ford, Thomas

FORD, Thomas, was one of the musicians of Prince Henry, son of James I. In 1607 he published a work entitled 'Musicke of Sundrie Kindes, set forth in two Bookes. The first whereof are Aires for 4 Voices to the Lute, Orpharion, or Basse-Viol, with a Dialogue for two Voyces and two Bass Viols in parts tunde the Lute way. The Second are Pavens, Galiards, Thumpes and such like, for two Basse Viols, the Liera way, so made as the greatest number may serve to play alone, very easie to be performde.' This work contains the beautiful four-part songs 'Since first I saw your face,' and 'There is a ladie sweet and kind.' Ford was a contributor to Leighton's 'Teares or Lamentacions of a Sorrowfull Soule,' 1614. On the accession of Charles I. he was appointed one of his musicians at a yearly salary of £80. Ford composed some canons and rounds printed in Hilton's 'Catch that Catch can,' and an anthem printed in the Anthems by Madrigal Composers of the Mus. Antiq. Society. He was buried at S. Margaret's West., Nov. 17, 1648.

[ W. H. H. ]