King, Robert

Composer

b c1660–1675, d c1725. A recorder player, harpsichordist and composer who worked in London at the King’s Playhouse and St Martin’s in the Fields, he served under 5 monarchs as Court Musician between 1689 and 1725. He was a prolific composer, writing music to accompany stage plays, was the first Englishman to compose sonatas for solo violin. Teaching, however, seems to have been his main activity; see also under Divine Companion. No.878.