Orlando Gibbons, an English composer, born in Cambridge in 1583, died in 1625. At the age of 21 he was made organist of the royal chapel. In 1622 the degree of doctor of music was conferred on him by the university of Oxford. He was principally distinguished for his church music, his anthems being regarded in their day as model compositions of that class. He was also a skilful composer of madrigals.