Lanier (or Laniere), Nicholas (1588-1666)

English painter, flautist, singer, and composer of French descent. In 1613, with John Coperario and others, he composed a masque for the marriage of the Earl of Somerset and in 1617 he not only set Ben Jonson's Lovers made Men, but sang in it and painted the scenery.

He was probably taught by his father, John Lanier, a sackbut player. In 1625 he was sent to Italy to collect pictures for the royal collection, and in 1626 was appointed Master of the King's Musick. He lived in the Netherlands during the Commonwealth, but resumed his post at the Restoration. Several other members of his family were musicians in the royal service.

Works Masques Lovers made Men (1617) and The Vision of Delight (Jonson, 1617).

Vocal cantata Hero and Leander, New Year's songs; vocal dialogues, songs.