Christopher Gibbons

Christopher Gibbons (bapt. 22 August 1615 – 20 October 1676) was an English composer and organist of the Baroque period. He was the second son, and first surviving child of the composer Orlando Gibbons. Life and career Background Christopher Gibbons was born into an already very musical family, established by his grandfather, William, who was head of the town waits in Oxford and Cambridge. Christopher Gibbons’ uncles Edward, Ellis and Ferdinand furthered their family’s reputation as successful musicians themselves, with Ellis and Edward becoming composers and the latter receiving a Bachelor of Music from Cambridge and serving as the master of the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge. The family’s legacy was cemented by Christopher’s father, Orlando, who became by far the most famous and successful composer and musician of the family. Early life Christopher Gibbons was born to Orlando and Elizabeth () in Westminster where he was baptized on 22 August 1615 at St Margaret’s. While his exact day of birth is unknown, although it was likely only a few days before his baptism as early baptisms were common practice. He was probably named after Orlando’s friend and patron Sir Christopher Hatt