Cooke Benjamin

Cooke, Benjamin, born in London in 1739, received a musical training from Pepusch. In 1752 he was appointed conductor of the Academy of Ancient Music, and held the post for thirty-seven years. In 1762 he became organist of Westminster Abbey. He composed some excellent Church music, but is remembered chiefly for his delightful glees, How sleeps the brave? Hark the Lark! In the Merry Month of May, etc. He died in 1793.