North, Francis
(1637–1685)
FRANCIS NORTHNORTH, FRANCISFRANCIS NORTH [bapt. 1637-† 1685] Not all attempts at elucidating music's foundations came from professional musicians, as Francis North's Philosophical Essay (1677) attests. North (whose brother and biographer Roger NORTH was also drawn to musical speculations) practiced law, served in Parliament, and eventually attained the title Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. He composed, played the bass viol, and, despite limited vocal endowment, enjoyed singing. His lordship's…