John (I) Rose (Ross, Rosse)

Life

John (I) ROSE (ROSS, ROSSE) (circa 1520-circa 1562) was born around 1520 and died circa 1562 in London, UK. He is recorded in many historical sources as living in Bridewell Palace, occupying rooms bestowed by the City of London. The earliest trace of his work may be a 'Jo:Rose' who repaired lutes for Sir Thomas Challoner in 1552, and he also appears to have received a commission for a 'vyall of the finest sort' in the same year. John (I) Rose was subsequently recognized as the leading viol maker of his time, and according to his tenancy agreement, 'his fame spread through Christendom'. However, a document from 1615 by Stow states that in 1562, John Rose 'had left a son far excelling himself in making Bandores, Voyall de Gamboes and other Instruments', implying that the father had died by this date and that John (II) had succeeded to the business and surpassed his achievements. Thomas Mace, writing in 1676, declared that he (whether father or son is not indicated) was one of five English viol makers of whom 'there are no better in the world'.

Characteristics

Instrument Making

John (I) Rose was a renowned maker of viols and lutes. He is also associated with the making of viols.

Attributed Instruments

Viols attributed to Rose have appeared in foreign collections, though most of the ten extant viols attributed to him have been questioned, and few are completely secure. Two bass viols dated 1585 and 1587, currently in The Hague, are attributed to 'John Roos', and a 'Johan Roos' is recorded in Sweden; these would presumably be by John (II).

Specific Instruments

A viol from 1598 by 'Mr. John Ross, who formerly lived in Bridewell' was advertised for sale in John Carr's collection of airs, Tripla Concordia, published in London in 1667. The Selhof'sche Auctionsverzeichniss (The Hague, 1759) also lists a gamba by John Rose Brattwell from 1599.

Queen Elizabeth's Lute

The instrument known as Queen Elizabeth's lute, which is actually a species of guitar known as a cither with ten strings tuned in five pairs of unisons, bears the inscription: 'Johannes Rosa, Londini fecit, in Bridwell, the 27th of July, 1580.'

Invention

Hawkins attributes the invention of the Pandore (a type of zither that became popular in the 17th century) to him.

Influence and legacy

• Fame: John (I) Rose's fame as a viol maker was said to have 'spread through Christendom'.
• Family Succession: A document from 1615 indicates that his son, John (II) Rose, succeeded him in the business and surpassed his achievements in making instruments such as Bandores and Voyall de Gamboes.
• Historical Recognition: Thomas Mace, in his Musicks Monument (London, 1676), praised him alongside Bolles as one of the best lute makers, stating that there were 'no better in the world'.
• Instrument Preservation: Instruments attributed to the Rose family, including a viol from 1598 and a gamba from 1599, have been noted in historical records and collections. The 'Queen Elizabeth's lute' is a notable surviving instrument associated with his workshop.