William Lawes

William Lawes was an English composer and musician known for his innovative and experimental style of early Baroque music. Born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, he wrote sacred and secular music at the court of Charles I of England. His best known compositions are consort suites for viols, including the Royal Consort collection. He joined Royalist forces during the English Civil War and was honored with the title "Father of Musick" after being killed at the Battle of Rowton Heath.