Michael East (orEaste,Est,Este) (c. 1580–1648) was an English organist and composer. He was a nephew of London music publisherThomas East (c. 1540–1608), although it was once thought that he was his son.[1]
In 1601, East wrote amadrigal that was accepted byThomas Morley for publication in his collectionThe Triumphs of Oriana.[2] In 1606, he received aBachelor of Music degree from theUniversity of Cambridge[3] and in 1609 he joined the choir ofEly Cathedral, initially as a lay clerk.[3] By 1618 he was employed byLichfield Cathedral, where he worked as a choirmaster, probably until 1644, when theCivil War brought an end to sung services.[4]Elias Ashmole was a chorister at Lichfield, and later recalled that "Mr Michael East … was my tutor for song and Mr Henry Hinde, organist of the Cathedral … taught me on the virginals and organ".[5]
East's exact date of death is not known, but he died atLichfield. His will was written on 7 January 1648 and proved on 9 May 1648. It mentions his wife Dorothy, daughter Mary Hamersly, and a son and grandson both named Michael.[3]
His most highly regarded works are his five-partfantasies forviols:[6]Thurston Dart is quoted as saying, "despite some slipshod part-writing, they are among the best five-part consorts of the time".[3]
East was one of the most published composers of his era[citation needed]; he published seven groups of compositions:
