Robert Stone (b. 1516, Alphington, Devon; d. 1613, London)

Robert Stone was an English composer who was a member of the Chapel Royal from 1546 until his death in 1613. He was a Gentleman of the Chapel during the reign of Edward VI and was fourth in order of seniority (senior to William Byrd) at the coronation of James I. Stone lived a long life, especially for his time. The Cheque Book of the Chapel Royal records his death at age 97.

Stone’s popular setting of “The Lord’s Prayer” dates from about 1550 and was published by John Day in Certaine Notes in 1565. The composition’s free rhythmic structure is suggestive of late-sixteenth-century French vers mesuré.