Simpson, Christopher

1610-1670

English musician, whose name is sometimes spelled Sympson. Born in England. The exact place and date are not known. Became a famous virtuoso on the viola da gamba. He was an ardent Catholic and served in the army of the Duke of Newcastle in support of Charles I. and afterwards found a patron in Sir Robert Bolles, of Leicestershire, who employed him to instruct his son on the viola. Simpson wrote a number of theoretical works, including The Division-Violist; a Compendium of Practical Music, in five parts, and The Art of Discant. This work was published about 1655. Simpson passed several years in Turnstyle, Holborn, London, and died there.