Deaths on April 16

Tobias Hume, Scottish soldier, viol player, and composer (b. 1569)

Tobias Hume (c. 1579 – April 16, 1645) was a truly multifaceted figure of the early 17th century, known to history as a Scottish composer, an accomplished viol player, and a seasoned soldier. His life, however, remains largely shrouded in mystery, offering tantalizing glimpses into a period of great artistic and martial upheaval.

A Life Veiled in Mystery

Much about Tobias Hume’s early life and origins remains unclear, leaving historians and musicologists to piece together fragments from scarce records. The exact year of his birth, for instance, is often approximated as 1579. This estimation stems from a significant event in his later life: his admission to the London Charterhouse in 1629. At the time, one of the prerequisites for becoming a "poor brother" in this esteemed almshouse – a charitable institution providing sanctuary and support for impoverished gentlemen – was to be at least 50 years old. While this suggests a birth year of 1579, it is important to note that this remains an inference rather than a definitively confirmed fact.

The Adventurous Soldier

Before his eventual retreat to the Charterhouse, Hume led a life that was anything but quiet. He was a professional soldier, a common and often necessary profession for gentlemen of his era, who would offer their services to various European powers. Hume served as an officer, specifically with the Swedish and Russian armies. This military career undoubtedly shaped his worldview and experiences, distinguishing him from many of his musical contemporaries who primarily lived within the more sheltered world of court or church. It’s a testament to his versatility that he balanced such a demanding career with significant musical pursuits.

A Champion of the Viol

Despite his military background, Tobias Hume left an indelible mark on the musical landscape of his time, particularly through his passion for the viol. His published music primarily features works for viols, a family of string instruments played with a bow, distinct from the violin family. He was especially noted for his numerous solo compositions for the lyra viol, a specific type of viol designed for chordal playing and often performed using tablature – a system of musical notation indicating finger positions rather than pitches. Hume's innovative approach and devotion to the instrument are evident in his two major published collections: The First Part of Ayres (also known as Musicall Humors, published in 1605) and Captain Humes Poeticall Musicke (published in 1607).

Remarkably, Hume was a vocal and ardent advocate for the viol, championing its capabilities and expressive potential over the lute, which was the dominant solo instrument of the period. This spirited advocacy even led to a public intellectual sparring match with none other than John Dowland, arguably the most celebrated lutenist and composer of his generation, who felt compelled to publish a rebuttal to Hume’s rather audacious claims. This historical "debate" highlights Hume's conviction and his willingness to challenge musical conventions.

The Musical Innovator and Prankster

Beyond his technical mastery and advocacy, Tobias Hume was also known for a playful, almost mischievous streak that manifested in some of his most unusual and memorable compositions. His reputation as a musical prankster is well-earned, thanks to pieces that pushed the boundaries of performance and decorum.

Perhaps his most notorious creation is "An Invention for Two to Play upone one Viole," also widely known as "Prince's Almayne." This piece is not just musically innovative but theatrically demanding. It requires two bows and, most notably, instructs the smaller of the two players to sit in the lap of the larger player – a truly whimsical and intimate performance setup! This work, like much viol music, was notated in tablature and is indeed technically feasible to perform, a testament to Hume's ingenuity.

Hume's pioneering spirit extended to instrumental technique as well. In another piece, "Harke, harke," from his First Part of Ayres, he famously included the instruction to "drum this with the backe of your bow." This remarkable direction constitutes the earliest known use of col legno (an Italian term meaning "with the wood") in Western music – a technique where the strings are struck with the wooden part of the bow, creating a percussive, rattling effect. This innovation underscores Hume's adventurous approach to musical expression, centuries ahead of its more common adoption in orchestral music.

Later Years and Decline

Hume's eventful life took a more somber turn in his later years. At Christmas 1629, he entered the London Charterhouse, a move likely prompted by financial hardship and consistent with the age requirement previously mentioned. Here, he spent his remaining days as a "poor brother."

Towards the end of his life, there are strong indications that his mental faculties began to decline. In July 1642, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the English Civil War, he published a highly idiosyncratic document titled True Petition of Colonel Hume to parliament. In this rambling and somewhat delusional petition, he offered grand, indeed fantastical, solutions to the nation's problems. He proposed either to quash the rebellion in Ireland using a hundred "instruments of war" – a vague and perhaps imaginary arsenal – or, if provided with a complete navy, promised to secure twenty million pounds for the King within three months. This stark contrast between his earlier measured compositions and this desperate, ambitious plea paints a poignant picture of a mind under duress.

Interestingly, he styled himself as "Colonel" in this petition, a rank that was likely self-bestowed. Records indicate that even at his death, which occurred at the Charterhouse on Wednesday, April 16, 1645, he was still officially referred to as "Captain Hume." This discrepancy further suggests a disconnect from reality in his final years, marking a sorrowful end to the life of an extraordinary musician and soldier.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tobias Hume

When and where was Tobias Hume born?

While not definitively known, Tobias Hume is believed to have been born around 1579, possibly in Scotland. This estimation is based on the requirement of being at least 50 years old to enter the London Charterhouse in 1629.

What was Tobias Hume known for musically?

Hume was a renowned composer and viol player. He is particularly famous for his solo compositions for the lyra viol and his two collections, The First Part of Ayres (1605) and Captain Humes Poeticall Musicke (1607). He was also a passionate advocate for the viol over the lute.

What made Hume's compositions unique or unusual?

Hume was known for his playful and innovative approach. His piece "An Invention for Two to Play upone one Viole" required two players to share one viol, with the smaller person sitting on the larger's lap. He also introduced the earliest known use of col legno (striking strings with the bow's wood) in Western music in his piece "Harke, harke."

Did Tobias Hume have a military career?

Yes, he made his living as a professional soldier, serving as an officer with both the Swedish and Russian armies before focusing more on his musical pursuits and eventually retiring to the Charterhouse.

What happened to Tobias Hume in his later years?

After entering the London Charterhouse in 1629 as a "poor brother," Hume's mental health appears to have declined. In 1642, he published a rambling petition to Parliament, offering fantastical plans to solve national problems. He died at Charterhouse on April 16, 1645, still officially known as Captain Hume, despite having styled himself as Colonel.