John Ward (composer)

English composer

John Ward (1590–1638) was an English composer. He trained as a singer in Canterbury, where he was a chorister at Canterbury Cathedral. He then moved to London where he produced religious and secular works, and he also appears to have maintained a residence in Essex. Ward's compositions, some of which were published in his lifetime, consist of madrigals, works for viol consort and Anglican church music (services, and anthems). His madrigals are remarkable for their fine texts, broad melodic lines and originality.

Ward was born in Canterbury and baptised 15 February 1590 at St Mary Bredman. He was a chorister at Canterbury Cathedral and likely King's scholar at Canterbury Grammar School 1604–7. He appears to have stayed in Canterbury until at least 1607 and then went to London where he served Sir Henry Fanshawe (1569–1616) as a musician. It is not known how the two men came into contact, although it has been noted that Lady Fanshawe was from Kent. Sir Henry was an amateur musician, whose duties as remembrancer of the exchequer required him to spend some of his time in London where he had a house in Warwick Lane, he also had a country house Ware Park near Ware, Hertfordshire and property in Essex. The Fanshawe family appears to have employed more than one person called John Ward (if so, the other was possibly the composer's father), which makes some details of the composer's life difficult to establish. One important stage in his career was the publication of his "first set" of madrigals in 1613. Dedicated to his patron, the collection was printed by Thomas Snodham. It includes a lament for Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales, who was on good terms with Fanshawe. Sir Henry died in 1616. His will of 1613, which was witnessed by "John Ward" (possibly not the composer), mentions musical instruments. His eldest son and heir Thomas Fanshawe gave less support to the family's musical establishment, and went abroad in 1618 to continue his education. However, Ward continued to work for the family, albeit in a different capacity. Sir Henry had been the third consecutive member of the family to hold the office of rembrancer and the remembrancership was put in trust for Thomas when he went abroad. He took up his duties on his return to England in 1619. The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography suggests that it was probably about this time ("and certainly by April 1621") that Ward obtained "a modest post" in the remembrancer's office. Tribute was paid to Ward by Thomas Tomkins who in 1622 dedicated a madrigal to him.

Ward married Thomasine daughter of Thomas Clee of London dwelling at Tower Dock and had at least 5 children.