"G" profiles

"G" Profiles

'G' (Anon) *


G. D. (Anon) *


G, T. (Anon) (–)


GADD, SUSAN (20th cent.)


GADSBY, Prof HENRY ROBERT (1842–1907)

Born: 15th December, 1842 in Hackney, London
A chorister at St Paul's Cathedral, London (1849-1858), almost a contemporary of Sir John Stainer, as both boys had superior musical knowledge. Both boys learnt harmony from William Bailey and George Cooper junior. Organist in London at St Ann's Church, Blackfriars and Camden Church, Camberwell, and at St Peter’s Church, Brockley, Lewisham until 1884. In the same year he succeeded John Hullah as Professor of Harmony at Queen's College, London. One of the original professors of the GSM (founded in 1880) and an active member of the College of Organists, and the Philharmonic Society. He sang in the choir at the open-air service at St Paul's Cathedral, London celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria on 22nd June, 1897. Involved in the Handel Commemorations.

He was buried in Putney Vale Cemetry, Wimbledon, London.
Died: 11th November, 1907 in Putney, Wandsworth, London


GAFFE, GEORGE (1849–1907)

Born: 27th July, 1849 in Cawston, Norfolk
A chorister at Norwich Cathedral aged nine and for seven years he was a pupil of Zecharia Buck and to whom later, was his assistant. Organist at Oswestry Parish Church, Shropshire from 1874. Set up a choral society in Oswestry and founded a music school with Henry Leslie. Organist at St Alban's Cathedral (1880-1907). Founder and Principal of the St Alban's College of Music.
Died: 18th September, 1907 in St Albans, Hertfordshire


GAINEY-BROWN, J. (–)


GALE, CLEMENT ROWLAND (1862–1934)

Born: 12th March, 1862 in Kew, Richmond upon Thames, London
As a boy he sang in the choir of Kew Parish Church, Richmond upon Thames and later in St Luke's Church, Caterham, Surrey. He was admitted to Exeter College, Oxford and graduated BA(Oxon) in 1883 and BMus(Oxon) in 1889. Organist of Reading School (1883-1885) then moved to Scotland to be Organist of Craigmount School (1885-1890) and a music teacher at the John Watson Institute, Edinburgh. He emigrated to the USA where he was Organist and Precentor of the Episcopal Parish Church of Calvary-St George, New York and was also associated with the Episcopal Church of All Saints, New York. Choirmaster of Episcopal Church of St George, Newburgh, New York State. A choral society conductor.
Died: (?), 1934


GALLOWAY, Revd E. D. (1849–1907)

Born: (?), 1849
Died: (?), 1907


GALLOWAY, GEORGE (1917–?)

Born: (?), 1917 in Liverpool, Merseyside
Died: (?)


GARDNER, Prof CHARLES (1836–1917)

Born: 1st April, 1836 in Greenwich, London
A pupil of Charles Graham Gardner senior (father), Oliver May, J. M. McMurdie, Ernst Pauer, Sir G. A. Macfarren and Madame Schumann. MusB (?). Organist and Choirmaster of the London churches of St John's, Blackheath (1853-1856), succeeded J. Hallett Sheppard at Holy Trinity, Bessborough Gardens, Vauxhall Bridge Road (1858-1861). He was the first Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Michael and All Angels' Church, Paddington (1861-1872). A member of the RAM, London (1859). Associate of the Philharmonic Society (1859) and later Member (1868), LRAM (1882). Since 1884 he continuously held the office of a director and Professor of Music at the RAM.
Died: 5th September, 1917


GARDNER, JOHN LINTON, CBE (1917–2011)

Born: 2nd March, 1917 in Manchester
Brought up in Ilfracombe, Devon. Educated at Eagle House School, Wellington College and Exeter College, Oxford. After coming down from Oxford in 1939 he completed two terms as Music Master at Repton School where one of his pupils was the composer John Veale, at that time a sixth former. He enlisted in 1940, working first as a bandsman (Fighter Command) and then as a navigator (Transport Command). Repetiteur at the ROH after WW2. Many major musical commissions came his way so he decided to be a full time composer. Sir Thomas Henry Wait Armstrong invited him to join the staff of the RAM, London in 1956 and he taught there for the best part of thirty years. A few years later he took a part-time job as Director of Music at St Paul's Girls' School, following on from Gustav Holst and Sir Herbert Norman Howells, and was for a time Director of Music at Morley College.

HonRAM in 1959, CBE in 1976 and on his eightieth birthday in 1997 HonRPS.
Died: 12th December, 2011


GARLAND, WILLIAM HENRY (1852–1897)

Born: (?) June, 1852 in York
At the age of seven became a chorister at York Minster and later became an articled pupil of the organist Dr Edwin George Monk. Graduated BMus(Oxon) in 1878. Organist of the church of St Paul's Within the Walls, Rome, Italy for three years but due to ill health had to return to England. Organist of Reading Parish Church for a further three years. Acted as Dr Edwin Monk's assistant at York Minster due to his absence through illness. Organist of Halifax Parish Church from 1884 until his death. He became conductor of the Halifax Choral Society in 1886.
Died: 13th February, 1897 in Halifax, West Yorkshire


GARNETT, JOSEPH (1771 or 1780 – 1861 or 1863)

Born: (?), 1771 or 1780
Submitted 15 double chants and 15 single chants to the 'Cantica Ecclesiasticus' of 1849. An astronomer, chemist and composer. He may have been active at Newcastle (then Pro-) Cathedral.
Died: (?), 1861 or 1863


GARRETT, E. C. SWINBURNE (19th–20th cent.)

Born: (?), 19th cent.
A relation of Dr George Mursell Garrett (from 'Grasmere Church Bells').
Died: (?), 20th cent.


GARRETT, Dr GEORGE MURSELL (1834–1897)

Born: 8th June, 1834 in Winchester, Hampshire
A chorister at New College, Oxford (1844-1848) under Dr Stephen Elvey. Assistant to Dr Samuel Sebastian Wesley at Winchester Cathedral (1850). Master of the Choristers at St Thomas's Church, Winchester (1848-1851), Holy Trinity Church, Winchester (1852-1854). Organist of St George's Cathedral, Chennai, India (1854-1856). MusB(Cantab) in 1857 and MusD(Cantab) in 1867. He succeeded Alfred Bennett as Organist of St John's College, Cambridge (1857-1897) and Dr John Larkin Hopkins as Organist to the University of Cambridge (1873). Associate of the Philharmonic Society in 1875, full Member in 1880, MA(Cantab) (propter merita) in 1878. University Lecturer of Music.

He is buried in the Cambridge Cemetery, Mill Road, Cambridge
Died: 8th April, 1897 in Cambridge


GATER, Dr WILLIAM HENRY (1848 or 1849 – 1928)

Born: 8th August, 1848 or 1849 in Dublin, Ireland
A blind musician who studied the organ under Sir Robert Prescott Stewart. Graduated BMus(TCD) in 1876, BA(TCD) in 1881 and DMus(TCD) in 1886. Organist of Christ Church, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland (1871-1873), Exhibition Palace, Dublin (1872-1873), St Andrew's, Dublin (1873-1876), and St Stephen's, Dublin (from 1876) for over fifty years. Professor of Piano at Wesley College, Dublin and a local choral society conductor.
Died: 21st June, 1928 in Dublin, Ireland


GATES, W. RONALD (1927–2016)

Born: (?), 1927 in Northampton
A chorister at All Saints' Church, Northampton where he received his musical training from its organist under Ralph Richardson-Jones, Robert Joyce and Dr Ben Burrows. He graduated BMus(TCD) and gained his FRCO. Sub-Organist of St Matthew's Church, Northampton for over 20 years until 2001. He worked with the following directors of music: Michael Bernard Nicholas, Stephen Cleobury, Timothy Day, David Ponsford, Derek Gillard and Andrew Shenton. He was employed for many years at Phipps Brewery (the brewery also having connections with St Matthew's Church). A consultant on the quality of local ale in any place the choir were visiting. He left St Matthew's Church in 1993 and could then be found playing in many churches around Northampton. He was instrumental in the rebuilding of St Matthew's organ by Harrison & Harrison of Durham. He was a great encourager of young organists including Andrew J. Reid, Simon Johnson and Richard Pinel. He enjoyed a long involvement with the Northampton and District Organists' Association which included 4 terms as president. Assistant Organist for some twenty years at All Saints' Church and was appointed Organist Emeritus of All Saints' Church in 2013. In 2014, the vicar, churchwardens and Friends of St Matthew's Music named the annual St Matthew's-tide organ recital the Ronald Gates Recital. Andrew J. Reid gave the 2014 recital, Simon Johnson in 2015, and Richard Pinel was booked for the 25th September 2016 recital. One of Ron's chants is recorded on Priory: Series 2, Complete Psalms of David, Volume 4 (Psalm 67) from Peterborough Cathedral.

Ron died in 2016. His body was received into St Matthew's Church on Tuesday 16th February at 17:00 followed by a Requiem Mass on Wednesday 17th February at 11:30, followed by committal.
Died: 31st January, 2016


GAUL, Prof Dr ALFRED ROBERT (1837–1913)

Born: 30th April, 1837 in Norwich
A chorister at Norwich Cathedral (from 1846) and later a pupil and articled assistant to Zecharia Buck. From the age of seventeen he was the Organist of Fakenham Parish Church, Norfolk where he remained until 1859. He was admitted to St John's College, Cambridge and graduated MusB(Cantab) in 1863. He moved to Birmingham as the Organist of St John's Church, Ladywood and, on its opening in 1868, of St Augustine's, Edgbaston. Taught harmony and counterpoint at the Birmingham and Midland Institute where he was later appointed a Professor of Orchestration and Composition. He taught harmony and singing at King Edward VI High School for Girls, Birmingham. A conductor of philharmonic societies.
Died: 13th September, 1913 in Kings Norton, Birmingham


GAUNTLETT, Dr HENRY JOHN (1805–1876)

Born: 9th July, 1805 in Wellington, Shropshire
As a boy aged ten he was Organist of Olney Parish Church, Buckinghamshire, and later Choirmaster (1819-1825). His father, Revd Henry Gauntlett, was vicar of Olney at the time. A pupil of J. Marshall, Henry Field and Samuel Wesley. Thomas Attwood heard Henry play and was suitably impressed with him that he was considered for the post as Organist of St Paul's Cathedral, London. Admitted as a solicitor in 1831. Organist of the London churches of St Olave's, Southwark (1827-1847) and Christ Church, Newgate Street (1836-1837). MusDoc(Cantuar) conferred for his 'Congregational Psalmist' with Henry Allon. Organist to the King of Hanover (1842). Honorary Choirmaster of St John's Church, Milton-next-Gravesend, Kent (1845-1851). Organist and Choirmaster of the London churches of Union Chapel, Islington (1852-1861), All Saints, Kensington Park (1861-1863) and St Bartholomew-the-Less, Smithfield (1872-1876). The 800 chants in The Encyclopaedia of the Anglican Chant (1885) are marked as miscellaneous but are quite likely by Gauntlett.

He is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery, London.
Died: 21st February, 1876 in Kensington, London


GAYLORD, ARTHUR W. (1889–1960)

Born: (?), 1889
Sometime pupil of Sir Sydney Hugo Nicholson at Carlisle Cathedral.
Died: (?), 1960


GAYWOOD, Major F. JEFFREY (-)


GEAR, HENRY HANDEL (1805–1884)

Born: 28th October, 1805 in London
A chorister at the Chapel Royal and St Paul's Cathedral, London. A tenor singer and composer who moved from London in 1822 to the USA and became Organist of Grace Church, New York. Moved to Italy in 1828 where he studied singing with Nozzari and others. Sang in Frankfurt, Germany and in Paris eventually returning to London where he taught singing. He was for more than 17 years Organist of the Quebec Chapel, Bryanston Street.
Died: 16th October, 1884 in London


GEAUSSENT, GEORGE FREDERICK (1852–?)

Born: (?), 1852 in London
Held organists' appointments at Hampstead Parish Church, London and others. A piano recitalist and the conductor of a choir bearing his name. Principal of the Hampstead Conservatoire of Music and member of the Governing Council since its re-organisation in 1896. Director for some years of a conservatoire in Croydon, Greater London. He became Principal of the new but short-lived Belfast Conservatoire of Music, Northern Ireland in October, 1894.
Died: (?)


GEDGE, DAVID PATRICK, MBE (1939-2016)

Born: 12th March, 1939 in London
A chorister at Southwark Cathedral (1947-1962) as boy and adult. Educated at St Olave's Grammar School, the RAM, London and the University of London. Organist of St Mary the Virgin Church, Primrose Hill, London (1957-1962), Selby Abbey, North Yorkshire (1962-1966) and Brecon Cathedral (1966-2007). Awarded an FRCO with the Turpin Prize (1962). Appointed MBE in 1996 and received the AWACM in 1997. He wrote two self-published autobiographies: 'A Country Cathedral Organist Looks Back' and 'More from a Country Organist'.
Died: 2nd July, 2016


GEE, SAMUEL (1834–1892)

Born: 12th May, 1834 in Congleton, Cheshire
Pupil of the RAM, London and gained his ARAM. He graduated BA(Mus). Organist at Chertsey Parish Church, Surrey, then Wantage Parish Church, Oxfordshire (1861), the London churches of Christ Church, Clapham (1864) and St Mark's, Clarendon Rise, Lewisham (1870) where he was also Director of the Choir, and in his later years at Leek, Staffordshire. He was a well-known teacher and lecturer.

He died suddenly of apoplexy in his room at the Hanley Academy of Music, Staffordshire.
Died: 15th November, 1892 in Hanley, Staffordshire


GERMAN, Sir J. EDWARD (born German Edward Jones) (1862–1936)

Born: 17th February, 1862 in the Corn Market Inn, Whitchurch, Shropshire
He began to study the piano and organ aged five under his father, John David Jones. By the age of eight he formed a boys' concert band to perform locally, teaching himself the violin, composition and music. He later sang counter-tenor at St Alkmund's, Whitchurch and was a very competent performer of comic sketches

In his mid-teens his parents wanted him to take an apprenticeship in a shipbuilding firm as they believed their son had an aptitude towards engineering. His studies at a boarding school in Chester had been delayed by a serious illness so was then turned away from the apprenticeship for being too old. In 1880 following private study with Cecil Walter Hay of Shrewsbury (the conductor of the Whitchurch Choral Society) he entered the RAM, London, where he changed his name to J. E. German (and later Edward German) to avoid confusion with another pupil named Edward Jones. He continued his studies of the violin and organ under Ebenezer Prout. Many of German's student works were played at Academy concerts. In 1884 the Academy appointed German a sub-professor of the violin and he was awarded the Tubbs Bow Prize for his skill on the violin. During his time at the Academy, German taught at Wimbledon School and played the violin in theatre orchestras, including the Savoy Theatre, London. Visited Germany in 1886 and again from 1888-1889 and was very impressed with the opera, especially at Bayreuth. He remained single but was engaged for a time to Ethel Mary Boyce (1863-1936). Although they split up they remained very good friends. Knighted in 1928 and made an Honorary Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Musicians in 1936.

He died of prostate cancer at the age of 74 at 5 Biddulph Road, Maida Vale, London and was cremated at Golders Green. His ashes were interred in Whitchurch Cemetery on 14th November, 1936.
Died: 11th November, 1936 in Maida Vale, London


GIBBON, LAURENCE (20th cent.)

Born: (?)
Assistant Organist of Ripon Cathedral (1958-1963).


GIBBONS, ARTHUR HENRY (fl. 1896–1944 or 1945)

Born: (?)
Sometime Organist of Cirencester Parish Church, Gloucestershire.
Died: (?), 1944 or 1945


GIBBONS, Dr CHRISTOPHER (1615–1676)

(son of Dr Orlando Gibbons)

Born: (?); baptised 22nd August, 1615 in Westminster, London
A chorister at the Chapel Royal during the reign of Charles I. A pupil under his uncle, the Revd Edward Gibbons, with whom he lived after his father's death in Exeter. He succeeded Thomas Holmes as Organist of Winchester Cathedral (1638) in the early years of the Civil War. At the Restoration he became Chief Organist and Organist to King Charles II at the Chapel Royal (1660-1676). He also succeeded Thomas Warwick as Organist (1660-1666) and Master of the Choristers (1664-1666) of Westminster Abbey, London. He graduated MusD(Oxon) in 1664 (per Literas Regias). Dr John Blow was a pupil of Gibbons, studying the organ.

He was buried in the Cloisters of Westminster Abbey.
Died: 20th or 28th October, 1676 in Westminster, London


GIBBONS, Revd JOHN P. (–1797)

Born: (?)
Died: (?), 1797


GIBBONS, Dr ORLANDO (1583–1625)

(father of Dr Christopher Gibbons)

Born: (?); baptised 25th December, 1583 in Oxford
A chorister under his brother Edward at King's College, Cambridge (1596-1598). He went up to Oxford University in 1589, graduating BMus(Oxon) in 1606 and DMus(Oxon) in 1662 (for his thesis he composed the anthem 'O clap your hands together'). By 1603 Gibbons was a member of the Chapel Royal and possibly a Gentleman-in-Ordinary. Organist of the Chapel Royal (1605-1625) and of Westminster Abbey, London (1623-1625). He was one of the organists of the Chapel Royal for the whole of James I's reign and he was personally responsible for the music at James's funeral.

He died while awaiting with Charles I and his party the arrival of Henrietta Maria and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral.
Died: 5th June, 1625 in Canterbury, Kent


GIBBS, A. (–)


GIBBS, ALAN TREVOR (20th cent.)

Born: 21st April, (?) in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
Inspired to compose by Edwin C. Rose. Took organ lessons with John Webster, theory with Norman Barnes and piano with John McKinnell. Won a music scholarship to Durham University, where Arthur Hutchings was the music professor. Continued his organ lessons at Durham University under Dr Conrad William Eden. Taught at Archbishop Tenison's School (1957-1986). During his early years at this school he continued his studies with MΓ‘tyΓ‘s Seiber. Wrote articles on organs, their music and on Gustav Holst.


GIBBS, CECIL ARMSTRONG (1889–1960)

Born: 10th August, 1889 in Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex
He attended Winchester College before being admitted to Trinity College, Cambridge to read history and music. Graduated BA(Cantab) in 1911, MusB(Cantab) in 1913 and MusD(Cantab) in (?). His teachers included E. J. Dent and Charles Wood. Studied at the RCM, London (1919-1920) under Dr Ralph Vaughan Williams for composition and Sir Adrian Boult for conducting. Taught at Copthorne School and at The Wick School from 1915. Attempted to enlist for WW1 but rejected on medical grounds. He became friends around this time with the poet Walter de la Mare. Lived in the Danbury area of Essex (1921-1939) whilst on the staff of the RCM, London. One of the adjudicators at the Carlisle Festival of April 1939. Their choice of best soloist was the rising young contralto, Kathleen Ferrier.
Died: 12th May, 1960 in Chelmsford, Essex


GIBBS, M. A. (–)

Born: (?), early 1800s
Died: (?)


GIBSONE, BURFORD GEORGE HENRY (–1868)

Born: (?)
Died: (?), 1868


GILBERT, Dr ERNEST THOMAS BENNETT (1833–1885)

(could be another B. Gilbert)

Born: 22nd October, 1833 in Salisbury
Pupil at the RAM, London and at Leipzig, Germany. French horn player and Organist at the Douglas, Isle of Man churches of St George's (1853-) and St Barnabas (1854), the Welsh churches of St Paul's Church, Newport, Gwent and Abergavenny Parish Church, Gwent (1857-1859), and the London churches of St Peter's Church, Walworth (1861), St George's Church, Southwark (1864) and St Matthew's Church, Southwark (1867). May also have been Organist and Choirmaster in Norwood, Surrey.
Died: 11th May, 1885 in Gipsy Hill, London


GILBERT, GEORGE BERNARD (1860 – after 1900)

Born: 19th October, 1860 in Birmingham
Studied with B. Fairbrother and Dr Charles Joseph Frost. Gained his FRCO. Organist of West Ham Church, Newham, London from 1879 for over 35 years. Also Borough Organist of West Ham and of West Ham / Stratford Town Hall. Had to retire from playing the organ due to increasing deafness.
Died: (?), after 1900


GILBERT, JOHN HEATHCOTE (–)

Born: (?)
Organist of Ashton-upon-Mersey Parish Church, Greater Manchester.
Died: (?)


GILBERT, Dr WALTER BOND (1829–1910)

Born: 21st April, 1829 in Exeter
A pupil of Alfred Angel (then Organist of Exeter Cathedral), he studied organ under Dr Samuel Sebastian Wesley and composition under Sir Henry Rowley Bishop. He was admitted to New College, Oxford and graduated BMus(Oxon) in 1854. He helped found the College of Organists and gained his FCO in 1868. He received an honorary DMus from Trinity College, Toronto, Canada in 1868. Organist of the parish churches of Topsham, Exeter (from 1847), Bideford, Devon (from 1849), Tonbridge, Kent (from 1854), Maidstone, Kent (from 1859) (about which he published a book in 1866), Lee, Kent (1866), Boston, Lincolnshire (1868), and Trinity Episcopal Chapel, New York, USA (1869-1897). By 1898 he was resident back in Maidstone. He taught at Tonbridge School.
Died: 2nd March, 1910 in Headington, Oxford


GILDAY, PATRICK (20th cent.)


GILHOLY, BARRY MAXWELL (–1957?)

Born: late 19th cent., in England
Died: (?), 1957?


GILL, (?) (–)


GILL, JOHN B. (–)


GILLARD, DEREK (20th cent.)


GILLING, A. W. (19th cent.)

Born: (?) in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Died: (?)


GIPPS, RUTH DOROTHY LOUISA, MBE (1921–1999)

Born: 20th February, 1921 in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex
Entered the RCM, London in 1937 and won the Caird Scholarship. Here she developed both as a composer with Dr Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gordon Jacob, and as a pianist. Sir Henry Wood conducted Gipps' tone poem Knight in Armour at the Last Night of the Proms in 1943. During WW2 her life focused on Birmingham where in 1942 she married the clarinettist Robert Baker. While he was away on active service in 1944 she was a full-time orchestral musician (oboe and cor anglais) in the City of Birmingham Orchestra. She moved to London after the war but 'found a changed world'. Sir Henry Wood was dead and nobody wanted to look at scores of orchestral works, so she turned her attention to chamber music. Won the Cobbett prize in 1956 of the Society of Women Musicians for her Clarinet Sonata, opus 45. Awarded an external BMus(Dunelm) in 1941 and a DMus in 1948 for composition of her cantata 'The Cat'.

A sports car enthusiast – she first had a 1935 MG followed later by a 1968 Morgan, Ruth thought nothing of driving, heavily swathed, through all weathers. Appointed MBE in 1981.
Died: 23rd February, 1999 in Eastbourne, East Sussex


GIRLING, (?) (–)


GLADSTONE, Dr FRANCIS EDWARD (1845–1928)

Born: 2nd March, 1845 in Oxford
A pupil of Dr Samuel Sebastian Wesley. Organist and Choirmaster of Holy Trinity Church, Weston-super-Mare (1864-1866). He succeeded J. Hamilton Clarke as Organist of Llandaff Cathedral (1866-1870), and succeeded Dr E. H. Thorne as Organist of Chichester Cathedral (1870-1873). Organist of Brighton Corporation (1874-1876), St Peter's Church, Brighton (1875-1876), St Mark's, Clarendon Rise, Lewisham (1876-1877). FCO, MusB(Cantab), and MusD(Cantab) in 1879. Made an honorary Member of the RAM, London in 1876. A Member of the Musical Association (1877). Succeeded Dr Z. Buck as Organist of Norwich Cathedral (1877-1881). Organist and Choirmaster of Christ Church, Lancaster Gate, London and an Associate of the Philharmonic Society in 1881.
Died: 5th September, 1928 in Hereford


GLADSTONE, WILLIAM HENRY, MP (1840–1891)

Born: 3rd June, 1840 at Hawarden, Flintshire, Wales
Son of the Rt Hon William Ewart Gladstone. Educated at Eton College and Christ Church, Oxford. MP for Chester, Whitby, North Yorkshire and the Eastern Division of Worcestershire. Vice-President of Trinity College, London. A member of The Bach Choir and The Madrigal Society.

He was buried in the churchyard of Hawarden Parish Church, Flintshire, Wales
Died: 4th July, 1891 at Westminster, London


GLADWELL, Revd A. R. (–)


GLOVER, STEPHEN (1812–1870)

Born: 7th December, 1812 in London
A teacher and composer based in London.
Died: 7th December, 1870 in London


GLOVER, WILLIAM HOWARD (1819–1875)

Born: 6th June, 1819 in Kilburn, London
A chorister under Dr Thomas Attwood Walmisley at Trinity College, Cambridge (1829-1838). Organist of Christ Church, Cambridge (1841-1842) and the Manchester churches of St Matthew, Campfield and St Luke, Cheetham Hill (1846). He met Felix Mendelssohn in Manchester in 1847. Studied Music under William Wagstaff and for a time travelled around Europe. Member of the staff of the Morning Post. From 1868 he resided in New York, USA. A composer and violinist.
Died: 28th October, 1875 in New York, USA


GODDING (GOODING?), JAMES HENRY (1820–1884)

Born: (?), 1820
Organist of Speenhamland, Newbury, Berkshire for 19 years.
Died: 20th April, 1884 in Newbury, Berkshire


GODFREY, ARTHUR EUGENE (1868–1939)

Born: 28th September, 1868 in Westminster, London
The son of Charles Godfrey, Bandmaster of the Royal Horse Guards. A chorister at St Paul's Cathedral, London and studied at the RAM, London. A well-known accompanist around London and Organist of the churches of St John's, Wapping (1883-1886), All Saints', Finchley (1886-1887), St Mary the Virgin, Primrose Hill (1897-1900) and St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Frognall (from 1903).
Died: 23rd February, 1939 in Hampstead, London


GODFREY, Prof PETER DAVID HENSMAN, CBE (1922–1917)

Born: 3rd of April, 1922 in Bluntisham, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
Educated as a chorister at King's College School, Cambridge (1931-), then Denstone College (-1941) and King's College, Cambridge (1941-1942). After WW2 military service in Burma he returned to King's College, Cambridge (1945-1946), graduating MA(Cantab) and MusB(Cantab). He studied at the RCM, London (1946-1947), gaining his ARCM. HonFRCM, FRCO and FRSCM.

He was Assistant Music Master at Felsted School (1946-1947), Uppingham School (1947-1949), and Assistant Music Master and then Director of Music at Marlborough College (1949-1958). He took up positions in the Music Department of Auckland University, New Zealand as a Lecturer (1958-1970), Associate Professor (1971-1973), Dean and Head of Department (1974-1982), Professor Emeritus (1983-2017). Director of Music, Auckland (former) Cathedral of St Mary, New Zealand (1958-1974), RSCM Special Commissioner (1973-2017), Director of Music of Wellington Cathedral, New Zealand (1983-1989), Trinity College, Melbourne, Australia (1989-1991), and many more. He was appointed MBE for services to music in 1978 and CBE in 1988.

His funeral took place on 6th October, 2017 at St Michael's Church, Waikanae Beach, New Zealand.
Died: 28th September, 2017 in Kenepuru Hospital, Porirua, North Island, New Zealand


GOLDING, MALCOLM (20th cent.)


GOLDWIN (GOLDING?), JOHN (c.1667–1719)

Born: (?), c.1667, probably in Windsor, Berkshire
A pupil of Dr William Child whom he succeeded as Organist of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle (1697-1719) and Master of the Choristers (1703).
Died: 7th November, 1719 in Windsor, Berkshire


GONDER, JAMES THOMAS DAVID (20th cent.)

(known as Thomas)

Born: 17th April, (?) in Canada
Educated at London Central Secondary School, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (1982-1990). Organist and Director of Music at Church of the Transfiguration, Toronto, Ontario (2010-2014), St Matthew's Anglican Church, Toronto, Ontario (2014-2020) and Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton, New Brunswick (2020-). Accompanist of the Canadian Men's Chorus (2010-2014).


GOOCH, Revd Dr FREDERICK (1804–1887)

Born: 10th April, 1804 in Saxlingham, Holt, Norfolk
Graduated DCL(Oxon). Fellow of All Soul's College, Oxford. Rural Dean of Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warwickshire and Rector of Baginton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.
Died: 29th October, 1887 in Baginton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire


GOOCH, T. F. (–)


GOODENOUGH, Revd ROBERT PHILIP (1775–1826)

Born: 19th October, 1775 in Ealing, London
Educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford, and graduated BA(Oxon) in 1796. Vicar of Carlton-in-Lindrick, Worksop, Nottinghamshire (1806). Prebendary of Southwell (1806), Carlisle (1811), Ripon and York. Rector of Beelsby, Grimsby, Lincolnshire.
Died: 20th April, 1826 in Beelsby, Grimsby, Lincolnshire,


GOODENOUGH, R. W. (1835–?)

Born: (?), 1835
Died: (?)


GOODHART, ARTHUR MURRAY (1866–1941)

Born: 14th June, (?); baptised 25th July, 1886 in Wimbledon, London
Educated at Eton College and King's College, Cambridge where he was a member of the Pitt Club. A pupil of Sir Joseph Barnby and Frank Bridge. Graduated BA(Cantab) in 1888, MusB(Cantab) in 1892 and MA(Cantab). Precentor at Eton College (1875-1892), Assistant Classical Master (1889-1894), Master (1894-1904), House Master (1904-1924). Principal of the Guildhall School of Music, London. Conductor of the concerts of the RAM, London (1886-1888). He later lived in Brighton, East Sussex.
Died: 2nd July, 1941 in Oxford


GOODRICH, Prof FREDERICK WILLIAM (1866–1952)

Born: 19th October, 1866 in London
Baptised into the CofE, he was a composer, organist and choir director. Chorister and later Assistant Organist (1884-?) at All Saints, Notting Hill, London, and Organist of St John the Baptist, Kensington, London (?-1990?). Founded the Anglican Society of St Osmund (1989). Attended King's College, London, and Durham University. Moved to Canada in 1904 and soon on to Oregon, USA. Received in the Roman Catholic church in November 1907. Organist and Choir Director of St Mary's RC Cathedral, Portland, Oregon (1907-1941+) and Sub-Dean of the American Guild of Organists (Oregon branch).

Buried in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery (now part of Riverview Cemetery), Portland, Oregon, USA.
Died: 25th January, 1952


GOODSON, Prof RICHARD senior (1655–1718)

(father of Richard Goodson junior)

Born: (?), 1655
Chorister (from 1667) and later Gentleman (1675-1681) in the choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. Succeeded William King as Organist of New College, Oxford (1683-1692) and Charles Husbands as Organist of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford (1692-1718). BMus(Oxon) and Heather Professor of Music at the University of Oxford (1682-1718). He was buried in the South Aisle of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.
Died: 13th January, 1718 in Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

(some confusion as to who wrote which chant)


GOODSON, Prof RICHARD junior (c.1688 – 1740 or 1741)

(son of Richard Goodson senior)

Born: (?); baptised in 1688
Chorister (1699-1707) and later Gentleman (1712-1718) in the choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. Organist of St Nicolas Parish Church, Newbury, Berkshire (1709). Was admitted to Christ Church, Oxford from March 1713 and graduated BMus(Oxon) in 1717. Succeeded his father as Organist of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford and as Heather Professor of Music in the University of Oxford, both in 1718.

He was buried on 7th January, 1941 near to his father in the South Aisle of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.
Died: late 1740 or ealy 1741 in Oxford


GOSLING, CHRISTOPHER (20th cent.)


GOSS, Prof Dr Sir JOHN (1800–1880)

Born: 27th December, 1800 in Fareham, Hampshire
A chorister in the Chapel Royal (1811-1816) under Dr John Stafford Smith, then a pupil under Thomas Attwood. An unsuccessful applicant for the post of Organist at Chelsea Old Church, London in 1819. Organist of Stockwell Episcopal Chapel (now St Andrew's Parish Church, Stockwell Green), London (1821-1825). He was the first Organist of St Luke's (New) Parish Church, Chelsea, London (1825-1838) and later succeeded Thomas Attwood as Organist and Vicar Choral at St Paul's Cathedral, London in 1838, resigning due to ill health in 1872. Was Professor of Harmony at the RAM, London (1827-1874). Succeeded William Knyvett as Composer to the Chapel Royal in 1856. He received his Knighthood in 1872 shortly after a Service of Thanksgiving in St Paul's Cathedral for which he was the organist and the composer of a setting of the Te Deum and an anthem 'The Lord is my strength' (this was a service of thankgiving for the return to health of the Prince of Wales), and received an honorary MusD(Cantab) in 1876.

He died at home in Clarewood Terrace, Brixton Rise and was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery, London.
Died: 10th May, 1880 in Brixton, Lambeth, London


GOSS-CUSTARD, Dr WALTER HENRY (1871–1964)

(AKA Harry)

Born: 7th February, 1871 in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex
The great-nephew of Sir John Goss and elder brother of the well-known London organist Reginald Goss-Custard. Educated privately. A pupil of Edwin Lemare and graduated with BMus(Oxon) in 1895, MA(Oxon), Honorary MA(Liv) in 1951, Honorary MusD(Cantuar) in 1953, FRCO, HonRCM. Organist of two East Sussex churches, Christ Church, Blacklands, Hastings (1887-1890) and Holy Trinity Church, Hastings (1891). Two London appointments followed: St Mark's, Clarendon Rise, Lewisham (1902-1904) and St Saviour's Church, West Ealing (1904-1917). Organist of Liverpool Cathedral (1917-1955) and St Mary's Church for the Blind, Liverpool (1917). Honorary Organist to the Royal Philharmonic Society (1907-1917). President of the Liverpool and District Organists' and Choirmasters' Association. He visited the USA in 1928 to deliver a lecture and give recitals before the Conference of the American Guild of Organists.
Died: 6th July, 1964 in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex


GOSTELOW, Prof FREDERICK JAMES (1866–1942)

Born: 20th December, 1866 in Dunstable, Bedfordshire
Studied music from the age of 6 and educated at the RAM, London under Sir Frederick John Bridge, Frits Hartvigson, Tobias Matthay and Dr Charles William Pearce, and from where he graduated ARAM. HonARCM, FTCL and FRCO.

Organist aged 13 of Dunstable Congregational Church, Bedfordshire (1880) followed by a number of chapels in and around London, Mary's Church, Luton, Bedfordshire (1889-1942) and of the private chapel (later dedicated in the Russian Orthodox faith) which is now part of the Romanov Suite of Luton Hoo Mansion House (now a hotel) from 1900. Conductor of Luton Choral Society (1899-1931). A professor and examiner and subsequently a member of the board of governors of Trinity College of Music, London. Toured Australia as an examiner for the TCM and gave several recitals there. Winner of the gold medal for piano playing at the International Music Trades Exhibition in 1896.
Died: 27th June, 1942 in Luton, Bedfordshire


GOUGH, ARTHUR V. (c.1855–1930)

Born: (?), c.1855
Active in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire.
Died: (?), 1930


GOULD, (?) (19th cent.)

Born: (?), 19th cent.
Died: (?), 19th cent.


GOULD, Canon PETER DAVID (20th cent.)

Born: 9th February, (?) in Portsmouth, Hampshire
Educated at Portsmouth Technical High School, the RAM, London (1970-1973) where he won prizes for choir training, organ accompaniment and harmony, and GRSM(Lond), LRAM, ARCM, HonARAM, and Bretton Hall College, Wakefield for his DipEd (1973-1974). ARCO (1970), FRCO (1974), HonMMus(UoD) in 2009, ARSCM and HonFGCM (2014). Organist of St Margaret’s Church, Putney (1970-1973), Organ Scholar of Bradford Cathedral (1973-1974), Assistant Organist of Wakefield Cathedral (1975-1983) and a music teacher, later Head of Music at Honley High School, West Yorkshire and conductor of the Cawthorne Choral Society. Master of the Music of Derby Cathedral (1983-2015), and also at this time he worked as a teacher of music and singing for Derbyshire Local Education Authority. He was made a lay canon of Derby Cathedral in May 2012.


GOULDEN, JAMES (–)


from GOUNOD, CHARLES FRANΓ‡OIS (1818–1893)

Born: 17th June, 1818 at Saint-Cloud, Paris, France
Top-rank composer of most genres.
Died: 18th October, 1893 in Paris


GOW, DAVID GODFREY (1924–1993)

Born: 6th April, 1924 in London
Studied at the RCM, London under Gordon Jacob and Frank Merrick. He studied privately with Alan Bush and graduated BMus(Dunelm) and MMus(Dunelm). He taught in London until in 1970 when he moved to Swindon College until his retirement in 1986. He was heavily involved with the Music Department of the Open University from its inception.
Died: 23rd February, 1993 in Swindon


GOWER, CHRISTOPHER STAINTON, JP (20th cent.)

Born: 15th March, (?) in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Educated at High Pavement School, Nottingham and later appointed Organ Scholar at Magdalen College, Oxford (1958-1961). BA(Oxon) and FRCO in 1961, MA(Oxon) in 1965. Assistant Organist of Exeter Cathedral (1961-1969) during which time he taught at the Cathedral School and lectured in music at the University of Exeter from 1967. During 1965 he spent some time as the Ralph H. Lane Memorial Scholar at the College of Church Musicians in Washington, D.C., USA. Organist of Portsmouth Cathedral (1969-1977) and Peterborough Cathedral (1977-2004). In 1988 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace.


GOWER, Dr JOHN HENRY (1855–1922)

Born: 25th May, 1855 in Rugby, Warwickshire
At the age of 12 he was Assistant Organist at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. He was admitted to Balliol College, Oxford and graduated BMus(Oxon) in 1876 and DMus(Oxon) in 1883. Organist of St Paul's Church, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent (1874-1876) and two years later became Organist of the new chapel of and teacher of music at Trent College (1876-1887). During those years he was the local philharmonic society conductor and was well-known as an organ recitalist. He rose to the rank of captain when he volunteered to join the Derbyshire Regiment. He emigrated to the USA in 1887 as Precentor and Organist of St John's Cathedral, Denver, Colorado.
Died: 30th July, 1922 in Denver, Colorado, USA


GOWER, ROBERT (20th cent.)

Born: (?)


GRACE, Prof Dr HARVEY (1874–1944)

Born: 25th January, 1874 in Romsey, Hampshire
A chorister in the choir of Romsey Abbey, Hampshire and went on to study with A. Madeley Richardson at Southwark Cathedral, taking his FRCO in 1905 and later elected to the Council of the RCO. Organist of Binfield, Berkshire, and of the London churches of St Alphege, Southwark, St Agnes, Kennington Park and St Mary Magdalene, Munster Square, Camden Town. By 1918 he was already (Assistant or) Editor of The Musical Times and kept this post until he died. He set up a very thriving Working Girls' Choir, culminating in a series of festivals in the Royal Albert Hall (1922-1933). Awarded a DMus(Cantuar) in 1932. Organist of Chichester Cathedral (1931-1938). He became a commissioner at the School of English Church Music. After leaving Chichester Cathedral he joined the governing body, board of examiners and teaching staff of Trinity College of Music, London in 1939 as a Professor of the organ and theory. He was organist of East Grinstead Parish Church (1941-1943) to cover for the organist who was called up for war service.
Died: 15th February, 1944 in Bromley, Greater London


GRAHAM, LAWRENCE (–)


GRAHAM, ROLAND (20th cent.)


GRAHAM, THOMAS (c.1800–1867)

Born: (?), c.1800
Organist of the Chapel for the Deaf and Dumb, Old Trafford, Manchester (1838) and of Wigan Parish Church, Greater Manchester (1844-1867). Conductor of the Wigan Choral Society.
Died: 16th December, 1867 in Wigan, Greater Manchester


GRAHAME, F. (–)


GRANDORGE, J. R. (–)


GRANT, Revd Canon MALCOLM ETHERIDGE (20th cent.)

Born: 6th August, (?) in Maidstone, Kent
Educated at Dunfermline High School, Scotland, Edinburgh University and at Edinburgh Theological College and was ordained in 1970. Assistant Priest at St Mary's Cathedral, Glasgow, Scotland then Vicar of Grantham, Lincolnshire. He returned to Scotland as Provost of St Mary's Cathedral, Glasgow (1981-1991) and was Provost of St Andrew's Cathedral, Inverness, Scotland (1991-2002). He became Vicar of Eaton Bray with Edlesborough, Bedfordshire (2002) and Rural Dean of Dunstable, Bedfordshire (2004), retiring from both posts in 2009.


GRAVES, EDWARD T. (–)


GRAVES, HENRY (1810–1872)

Born: (?), 1810
In his early years he played the violin and viola in the Opera and various Orchestras. A member of the Society of British Musicians (1834-1865) through its whole existence. Succeeded William Lord as Organist of St John's Wood Chapel, London in 1839 and shortly afterwards appointed Professor of Singing and Piano at the nearby Clergy Orphan School, St John's Wood Road, London. Associate of the Philharmonic Society (1858), later Member (1866-1869).

Struck down with a form of paralysis at the beginning of choir practice, 24th July, 1869. He is buried in Temperley Churchyard.
Died: (?), 1872


GRAY, Dr ALAN (1855–1935)

Born: 23rd December, 1855 in York
Attended St Peter's School, York. Trained as a solicitor, qualifying in 1881. Graduated LLB (1877) and LLM (1883). Studied music under Dr Edwin George Monk at York Minster and at Trinity College, Cambridge from 1873. Graduated MusB(Cantab) in 1886, MusD(Cantab) in 1889. First Director of Music at Wellington College (1883-1893). Succeeded Sir Charles Villiers Stanford as Organist of Trinity College, Cambridge (1893-1930). President of the Royal College of Organists and an editor of the The Purcell Society.
Died: 27th September, 1935 in Cambridge


GRAY, ANTHONY (20th cent.)

Born: 29th September, (?) in Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Attended Ilkley Grammar School. Junior Organ Scholar at Pembroke College, Cambridge.


GRAY, Dr GEORGE CHARLES (1897–1981)

Born: 7th October, 1897 in Nutfield, Surrey
Won a scholarship to Rotherham Grammar School, South Yorkshire. Served in WW1 in the Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. The authorities realised he had signed up under-age and he was brought back from Flanders. Took up concert parties in 1918. Studied under Sir Edward Cuthbert Bairstow with the help of an army grant and graduated BMus(Dunelm). Received an HonMMus(Leic) in 1968 and the DMus(Cantuar) in 1969. Organist of St Michael-le-Belfrey Church, York (1920), St Martin's Church, Leeds, West Yorkshire (1923), All Saints' Church, Alnwick (1925) and St Mary-le-Tower Church, Ipswich (1927). Organist and Director of Music of Leicester Cathedral (1931-1969) and lecturer in music there (1931-1946), an extra-mural lecturer in music appreciation at Vaughan College, Leicester (1931-1951), senior lecturer at Leicester College of Education (1945-1976), and also an examiner for Trinity College of Music, London. Two of his pupils included Dr William Stanley Vann and Harold Dexter, who both became cathedral organists. Another pupil, Jack Hawes, became a composer of church music.

He is buried in Leicester Cathedral.
Died: 24th March, 1981 in Leicester


GRAY, JAMES (1867–?)

Born: (?), 1867 in Dundee, Scotland
Died: (?)


GRAY, PETER LINDSAY (20th cent.)

(known as Lindsay)

Born: 22nd July, (?)
Educated at Locksley Preparatory School (1957-1961) and Nottingham High School (1961-1971), gaining his ARCO before leaving. A Chorister and Gentleman with perfect pitch in the choir of St Mary's Parish Church, Nottingham, and a counter-tenor Choral Scholar in the choir of King's College, Cambridge. He subsequently took an education diploma at Durham University, where he was also Organist and Choirmaster at St John’s, Neville’s Cross and a Choral Scholar under Richard Lloyd at Durham Cathedral. Director of Music at Queen's College, Taunton and Cheltenham College. Headmaster of Llandaff Cathedral School, Wales (1994-2007). Organist and Choirmaster of Peterston-super-Ely Parish Church, Cardiff (1999-2007 and 2015-2019). Director of the RSCM (2008-2012) and afterwards awarded FRSCM (2013) and appointed Emeritus Director. Trustee and Director of the Woodard Academies Trust (2013-2014), and Member of Council of Clifton College, Bristol (2014-2016). Founder and Director of the Caritas Consort, Cardiff. Consultant.


GRAY, W. (–)

Born: (?) in Windsor, Berkshire


GRAY, WILLIAM HENRY (1785–1824)

Born: (?), 1785 in Eton College, Windsor, Berkshire
A chorister and subsequently a lay clerk and sometime deputy-organist at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle and of Eton College Chapel.
Died: 7th November, 1824 in Windsor, Berkshire


GREATOREX, A. G. (–)


GREATOREX, Revd EDWARD (c.1820–1899)

Born: (?), c.1820
Master of the Choristers at Durham Cathedral from 1849, subsequently Minor Canon and Precentor (1862-1872). Rector of Croxdale, County Durham from 1872 whilst still retaining his Minor Canonry.
Died: (?), 1899


GREATOREX, HENRY WELLINGTON (1813–1858)

Born: (?), 1813
Died: (?), 1858


GREATOREX, T. G. (–)


GREATOREX, Z. G. (–)


GREEN, DAVID LLEWELLYN (1935–2014)

Born: (?), 1935
Died: (?), 2014


GREEN, JOHN (20th cent.)


GREENE, Dr MAURICE (1695 or 1696 – 1755)

Born: 12th August, 1695 or 1696 in London
A chorister at St Paul's Cathedral under Jeremiah Clarke, Charles King and Richard Brind to whom he was articled in 1710. Organist of St Dunstan-in-the-West, Fleet Street, London (1716). He succeeding Daniel Purcell as Organist of St Andrew's Church, Holborn, London (1717), and Richard Brind as Organist of St Paul's Cathedral, London (1718-1755). Succeeded Dr William Croft as Organist and Composer to the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace (1727-1755). Professor of Music at the University of Cambridge in 1730 in succession of Thomas Tudway. Master of the King's Band in 1735 on the death of John Eccles. He had an unfortunate facial disfigurement, so most of his portraits show only one side of him. Amongst his pupils were Dr William Boyce, John Travers and the blind organist John Stanley. He was buried in the Rectorial Vault of St Olave's, Old Jewry, London but on the demolition of that church, Greene was re-interred in the Crypt of St Paul's Cathedral, London on the 18th May 1888.
Died: 1st December, 1755 in London


GREENHALGH, J. N. (–)


GREENING, RICHARD GEORGE (1927–1979)

Born: 17th November, 1927 in Sunningwell, Oxfordshire (at that time Berkshire)
A chorister at New College, Oxford under Sydney Watson and afterwards a private pupil of Herbert Kennedy Andrews from 1936 before entering Magdalen College School, Oxford. After his National Service he was admitted to New College, Oxford in 1948 and graduated BA(Oxon) in 1951, BMus(Oxon) in 1952, and MA(Oxon) in 1955. Awarded an FRCO with the Harding Prize (1952). Organist of St Giles' Church, Oxford (1950-1955) and during this time became the assistant to Sir William Henry Harris at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle (1955-1959) and Organist of the Royal Chapel of All Saints, Windsor Great Park. He was Organist of Lichfield Cathedral (1959-1977), and was the first Organist of the cathedral not to hold a vicar's stall. He joined the staff of the Birmingham School of Music in 1961 and continued there after he resigned from Lichfield Cathedral.
Died: (?), 1979


GREENISH, A. E. (–)


GREENISH, Prof Dr ARTHUR JAMES (1860–1935)

(brother of Frederick Robert Greenish)

Born: 26th January, 1860 in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales
His mother was organist of a local village church and from the age of 11 he acted as her assistant. Aged 13 he joined the choir of St Saviour's Church, South Hampstead, London (1873) (and was articled to the then organist in 1877). In 1875 he went into his father's business in Haverfordwest and studied music privately. Later, he studied at the RAM, London under Dr Charles Steggall for organ, (?) Fitton for piano and (?) Lunn for harmony but due to ill health had to quit after two years. Graduated MusB(Cantab) in 1885 and MusD(Cantab) in 1892. Organist to the Choirmaster Alfred Scott-Gatty (who was later Garter King-of-Arms) at St Mary's Church, Battersea, London (1880-1882) and Organist of St Saviour's Church, South Hampstead, London (1882-). An examiner in music at the TCM, London. In 1899 he became Professor of Harmony at the RAM, London where he had connections for a total of 57 years.
Died: (?), 1935


GREENISH, Dr FREDERICK ROBERT, JP (c.1855–1923)

(brother of Arthur James Greenish)

Born: (?) March, c.1855 in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Educated in Exeter and Paris, France. He was admitted to New College, Oxford from where he graduated BMus(Oxon) in 1883 and DMus(Oxon) c.1885. Organist and Choirmaster of St Martin's Church, Haverfordwest, Wales (1881-1887) and of St Mary's Church, Haverfordwest, Wales (1888-1909). An adjudicator at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in 1906. Justice of the Peace in Haverfordwest and High Sheriff.
Died: 11th November, 1923 in Warlingham, Surrey


GREENWOOD, (?) (–)


GREENWOOD, ALFRED (–)


GREENWOOD, WILLIAM (fl. 1870s)


GREGORIAN CHANTS AND TONES *

Introduced into the early Christian Church by St Gregory (542-604).


GREGORY, ARTHUR STEPHEN (1895–1989)

Born: 21st January, 1895 in Bedford or Uppingham, Rutland
Educated privately and at TCM, London. Organist of All Hallows Church, Seaton, Rutland, then St Andrew's Church, Great Easton, Leicestershire (1913-1915) and Sub-Organist of Uppingham Parish Church, Rutland (1910-1930). Served in the armed forces during WW1 for three years.
Died: (?), 1989


GREGORY, C. S. (–)


GREGORY, Revd EDWARD (?–1759)

Born: (?); baptised 10th May, 1706
Admitted to Corpus Christi, Cambridge from where he graduated BA(Cantab) in 1727. Ordained deacon in December 1729 and served his curacy at All Saints, Cotgrave, Nottingham. Ordained priest in August 1730. Graduated MA(Cantab) in 1731. Rector of Widmerpool, Nottingham (28th April, 1731-death) (and where he married Lucy Berdmore, a vicar's daughter, on 20th April 1737). Additionally Rector of Carlton-in-Lindrick, Worksop, Nottinghamshire (15th March, 1732-15th Nov, 1743), Prebendary of Norwell (Tertia Pars) at Southwell Minster (from 1733), and Vicar General of Southwell Minster (from October 1752).
Died: 10th or 15th October, 1759


GREGORY, JAMES LIVELY (1860–1915)

Born: 27th March, 1860 in Old Windsor, Berkshire
FRCO in 1883, LTCL in 1889 and and MusB(Dunelm) in 1892. Had most of his training from his brother (George Herbert Gregory) whom he succeeded at Holy Trinity Church, Melrose, Scotland (1875-1876). From there he went to Welford Parish Church (either Newbury, Berkshire or Northampton) (1877-1879), St Mary's, Ware, Hertfordshire (1880-1901) and All Saints' Church, Hertford (1901-). Also Organist of and Music Master to the girls at Christ's Hospital, Hertford (1901-). and Music Master to the boys at Hertford Grammar School. Actively engaged as a teacher, and as Conductor of the East Herts Choral and Orchestral Society (1892-) and other musical societies (1901-). Honorary Conductor of Hertford Festival Choir (1906), Hertford Amateur Operatic Society
(1903-), Music Master of the Millenary Pageant (1914).

He died on the evening of 13th October, 1915 in the only air-raid on Hertford in the war when 55 bombs were dropped on the town from an airship.
Died: 13th or 15th October, 1915 in Hertford


GREIG, Dr JOHN (fl. 1896)

Born: (?) in Edinburgh, Scotland
Died: (?)


GREIG, WILLIAM SYDNEY (1910–1983)

Born: 25th November, 1910 in Dublin, Ireland
Educated at St Patrick's Grammar School, Dublin, Ireland. Greig studied at the RIAM, Dublin (1928-1931) with an organ scholarship. He graduated MusB(Dubl) in 1934. He was Organist of Abbey Presbyterian Church, Dublin, Ireland (1929-1960). Assistant Organist of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland (1934-1943) followed by St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland (1943-1960), then Organist of the same (1960-1976) when he retired.
Died: 6th March, 1983 in Dublin, Ireland


GRIFFITH, WILLIAM (1867–1929)

Born: 15th January, 1867 in Syresham, Northampton
Educated at Magdalen College School, Brackley, Northamptonshire. Graduated BMus(Dunelm), FRCO, LMus(TCL). A qualified pharmacist. Organist of St Paul's Church, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, then St Mary's RC Church, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Northampton (1895-1901). First conductor of the Northampton Amateur Operatic Society (1898-1901). King Street United Reformed Church, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland (1901-1909). A member of the staff at the Athenaeum School of Music, Glasgow, Scotland (1902-1908). Music Master of the Kilmarnock Academy, East Ayrshire, Scotland (1906-). Conductor to the Kilmarnock Society of Musicians (1906-). Organist of Kilbarchan Parish Church, Renfewshire, Scotland (1909-).
Died: 21st August, 1929 in Leicester


GRIFFITHS, EDWARD (1831–?)

Born: (?), 1831
A Gladstone Exhibitioner and Organist at Chester Teacher Training College (1848-1849). A pupil of John Amott at Gloucester Cathedral. Gained his FCO before 10th August, 1862. Organist successively of the Whitgift School, then St Luke's Church, Berwick Street, Soho, London, then Chislehurst Parish Church, Kent and the Church of the Annunciation, Chislehurst, Kent.
Died: (?)


GRIFFITHS, M. W. (–)


GRIGGS, GRAHAM PETER LLOYD (20th cent.)

Born: 11th April, (?) in Derby


GRIMSBY CHANT, THE *


GRIMSHAW, (?) (–)


GRIMSHAW, ARTHUR EDWARD or EDMUND (1831 or 1864 or 1868 – 1913)

Born: (?), 1831 or 1864 or 1868 in Leeds, West Yorkshire
In 1878 the Roman Catholic Diocese of Leeds was created and St Anne's Church, Leeds became a cathedral. It was decided in 1883 to form a choir at St Anne's and Grimshaw became the first Organist and Choirmaster of Leeds Cathedral, remaining until his death. One of the first conductors of the Leeds Symphony Society which was founded in 1890. He led them from 1896 until 1911.
Died: 1st August, 1913 in Leeds, West Yorkshire


GRIMSHAW, Very Revd ARTHUR J. (Dean Emeritus) (1993–2019)

Born: 9th February, 1993 in Port Fairy, Victoria, Australia
A chorister in the William Butterfield Cathedral of St Paul, Melbourne, Australia, later ordained priest there (1958). Educated at St John's College, Morpeth and the University of Melbourne, graduating BA in 1957, with principal studies in History, Philosophy, English and Fine Arts. He served as Precentor in the Edmund Blackett Cathedral of St George, Perth, Western Australia (1964-1968) and Dean of Brisbane Cathedral, Queensland (1985-1998) where he was initiator of the present phase of completion, which he set in motion in 1987. Subsequently he was made Dean Emeritus.
Died: 6th September, 2019 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia


GRINDLE, Dr WILLIAM HENRY, MBE (1935–2013)

(AKA Harry)

Born: 2nd of October, 1935 in Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland
Aged 7 he joined the choir of the ancient Abbey Church, Bangor, eventually becoming Head Chorister. His father was a member of the Select Vestry and his mother the superintendent of the junior Sunday School. Educated at Regent House Grammar School, Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland where he studied the piano. In 1950 he began organ lessons with Huston Graham, then Organist of Bangor Abbey. Appointed Organist in 1953 of Shore Street Presbyterian Church, Donaghadee, County Down. He read French Language and Literature at Queen's University, Belfast, and the University of Strasbourg before taking up a teaching post in London. He studied organ playing with Flor Peeters in Belgium and orchestral conducting with Sir Adrian Boult in Kent. He returned to Northern Ireland in 1962 and after two years as Organist back at Bangor Abbey, he was appointed Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, a post he held until 1975 when was appointed to a senior music lectureship and later Head of the Music Department of Stranmillis College of Education, Belfast. In 1986 he founded the Priory Singers in Belfast which undertook a number of residencies at several English cathedrals, including Chichester, Gloucester, Hereford and Lincoln. He served as music editor of the hymn book 'Sing & Pray', issued in 2009 for use in both Sunday and primary schools. His book on Irish Cathedral Music is widely regarded as a definitive work on the subject. He was the first Irish musician to receive an ARSCM, awarded in 1977. He received a DMus(Cantuar) in 2005 from the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams. Three years later he was among those to receive the Royal Maundy from the Queen in Armagh Cathedral, Northern Ireland. Appointed MBE in 2009 for services to music.

A memorial service was held on Sunday 16th November, 2014 in St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, sung by the Priory Singers.
Died: 4th (?) July, 2013


GROOME, Revd Canon ROBERT HINDES (1810–1889)

Born: 18th January, 1810 in Framlingham, Suffolk
He was educated in Norwich under Richard Valpy and (?) Howes. He attended Caius College, Cambridge and graduated BA(Cantab) in 1832 and MA(Cantab) in 1836. Ordained in 1833 to the Suffolk curacy of the then benefice of Tannington-with-Brundish, Woodbridge, Suffolk (Tannington and Brundish are now in the Four Rivers benefice of Bedfield, Brundish, Cratfield, Laxfield, Monk Soham, Tannington, Wilby, and Worlingworth with Southolt) and during 1835 travelled in Germany as tutor to the son of Juan Álvarez MendizÑbal, the Spanish financier. He became curate of Corfe Castle, Dorset in 1839, of which small borough he was mayor for a year. In 1843 he married Mary, third daughter of the Rev. J. L. Jackson (Rector of Swanage, Dorset). She bore him eight children, of whom four sons and two daughters survived him. He succeeded his father as Rector of Monk Soham, Woodbridge, Suffolk in 1845 and was incumbent there for 44 years. He had the rectory and village school built, restored the fine old church, erected an organ and rehung the bells. Appointed an Honorary Canon of Norwich Cathedral in 1858, and from 1869-1887 was Archdeacon of Suffolk (the archdeaconry was transferred from the Diocese of Norwich to the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich in 1914). Failing eyesight forced him to resign from the post. A man of wide culture and had many friends.
Died: 19th March, 1889 in Monk Soham, Woodbridge, Suffolk


GROSSMANN, L. (20th cent.)


GROSVENOR, Hon VICTORIA (19th cent.)


GROTE, ASHLEY (20th cent.)

Born: (?)
He grew up in Colchester, Essex and attended Eld Lane Baptist Church with his family, where he sang in the choir and first played the organ. He joined the choir of King's College, Cambridge at the age of eight in response to a newspaper advertisement for voice trials, and was subsequently a music scholar at Uppingham School, Rutland. He won first prize in the 1999 Royal College of Organists' Young Performers' Festival. In 2000 he was the first organist ever to win a place in the keyboard final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition. After a year as Organ Scholar of St George's Cathedral, Cape Town, South Africa, he returned to Cambridge in 2001 to read for a degree in music. As Organ Scholar at King's College, Cambridge he performed worldwide with the famous Chapel Choir in numerous tours, concerts and broadcasts, including the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. He was also Assistant Conductor of the Cambridge University Musical Society orchestras. Assistant Organist of Westminster Abbey, London (2005-2008) and played for many prestigious events, including the Diamond Wedding of HM the Queen. Moved to Gloucester Cathedral (April 2009) as Assistant Director of Music. Whilst there he performed at the Three Choir's Festival, the Cheltenham Music Festival with the Gloucester Choral Society, the Bristol Choral Society, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He also directed the Cathedral's flourishing Youth Choir, Ross-on-Wye Choral Society and the St Cecilia Singers (a Gloucester-based chamber choir). He has given many recitals in both the UK and throughout Europe. He was a prize winner at the Dublin International Organ and Choral Festival in 2005, a semi-finalist in the St Albans International Organ Festival in 2007 and held the prestigious W. T. Best Memorial Scholarship from the Worshipful Company of Musicians in 2006. He first came to the Edington Music Festival in the summer of 2007 and was Director of the festival during 2010-2012. He became Master of the Music at Norwich Cathedral in September 2012. He has regularly competed in the London Marathon to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital, following his daughter's diagnosis with a brain tumor in 2014.


GROVES, NICHOLAS (20th cent.)


GRUTCHFIELD, E. J. (fl. 1910)


GUERNSEY, WILLIAM GREVILLE HUDSON (1817–1885)

(known as Wellington)

Born: 8th June, 1817 in Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland
Studied briefly as a boy with the well-known Italian opera composer Saverio Mecadante at Lisbon (1827-1828). Probably returned to Ireland in the early 1830s. He moved to England from 1843 and occasionally returned to Ireland to organise concerts at the Rotunda. He became the Musical Director of the Olympic Theatre, London (1847) but early in the 1850s he must have embarked in a military career which took him to Turkey (1855), the Crimea (1856), Paraguay and Brazil (1857). He appears to have been not too nice a man. He was incriminated for stealing documents from the Colonial Office which ended his military career (1858).
Died: 13th November, 1885 in London


GUEST, Dr GEORGE HOWELL, CBE (1924–2002)

Born: 9th February, 1924 in Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales
He began his musical life as an organ-blower for his father. A chorister at Bangor Cathedral, Wales and educated locally. Organist and Choirmaster of Connah's Quay Parish Church, Flintshire, Wales. Aged 18 he was called up for military service and joined the RAF, being posted to India in 1945. On leaving the services in 1947 he took the post of Sub-Organist at Chester Cathedral with Malcolm Boyle and his assistant, Dr Rowland Middleton. He gained his ARCO (1940) and FRCO (1942). Organ Scholar at St John's College, Cambridge (1947-1951), continuing his studies under Robin Orr. In Guest's final year as Organ Scholar, Orr announced that he intended to retire and the College Council offered the post to Guest. Organist of St John's College, Cambridge (1951-1991) (it has become traditional for the BBC to broadcast Evensong from St John's on every Ash Wednesday since 1972 and the Advent Carol Service each year since 1981). He was very proud of his Welsh roots and from the 1970s onwards, Guest took a personal interest in the Cambridge University Welsh Society (Cymdeithas Y Mabinogi), sponsoring many of its events and providing a welcome face for Welsh students away from home. A lifelong supporter of Chester Football Club. Guest was appointed CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 1987. His entire musical life had been centred on St John's College, Cambridge.
Died: 20th November, 2002 in Cambridge


GUEST, T. A. (–)


GUISE, RICHARD (c.1740–1808)

Born: (?), c.1740
MusB(Cantab) in 1758. Lay clerk at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle and Eton College Chapel (1760-c.1779). Gentleman of the Chapel Royal (1779), Lay Vicar (1782) and Master of the Choristers (in 1793, in succession to Robert Cooke) of Westminster Abbey, London.

He was buried in the North Cloister of Westminster Abbey, London.
Died: 10th March, 1808 in London


GUNGA, SACHIN (20th cent.)

Born: (?)


GUNTON, FREDERICK (1813–1888)

Born: (?), 1813 in Norwich
He may have been a pupil of Alfred Pellet, the organist of St Peter Mancroft, Norwich. Rector Chori of Southwell Minster (April 1835-1840), Organist of Chester Cathedral (1840-1877). On his retirement in 1877 he was granted the title of Honorary Organist.
Died: (?), 1888 in Chester


GURNEY, IVOR BERTIE (1890–1937)

Born: 28th August, 1890 in Gloucester
A chorister at Gloucester Cathedral (1900-1906) and later became an articled pupil of Dr Alfred Herbert Brewer at the cathedral. Whilst at Gloucester he became acquainted with Dr Herbert Norman Howells, beginning a life-long friendship. Alongside Gurney and Howells, Brewer's third pupil at this time was Ivor Novello, then known as Ivor Davies. He began composing at the age of 14 and won a scholarship to the RCM, London (1911). He studied there with Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, who also taught Dr Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Ireland, Marion M. Scott, Rebecca Clarke, Frank Bridge and Sir Arthur Bliss.

Gurney suffered from serious mood swings that became apparent during his teenage years. He had difficulty focusing on his college work and suffered his first breakdown in 1913. However, after taking a break from studies he seemed to recover and then returned to college.

His studies were interrupted by WW1 and he enlisted in the Gloucestershire Regiment in February 1915. On the front line he first began writing poetry seriously. He was wounded in the shoulder in April 1917 but returned to the front after recovery and continued working on his book 'Severn and Somme'. In September 1917 Gurney was gassed and was sent to the Edinburgh War Hospital where he met and fell in love with a VAD nurse, Annie Nelson Drummond. The relationship later failed. He was posted to Seaton Delaval, a mining village in Northumberland where he wrote poems including 'Lying awake in the ward'. 'Severn and Somme' was published in November 1917. In March 1918, he suffered a serious breakdown, triggered off at least in part by the sudden loss of Annie Drummond. He was hospitalised in the Gallery Ward at Brancepeth Castle, County Durham. In June 1918 he threatened suicide but did not go ahead with it. He slowly regained some emotional stability and in September 1918 was honourably discharged from the army. His condition became so increasing unstable that in 1922 his family had him declared as insane. Gurney spent the last fifteen years of his life in psychiatric hospitals in Gloucester and London.

He died of tuberculosis in the City of London Mental Hospital and was buried in Twigworth, near Gloucester.
Died: 26th December, 1937 in London


GUY, HENRY POPE (1847–1910)

Born: (?), 1847 in Oxford
A student of the RAM, London, later gaining his ARAM. Lay clerk at New College, Oxford (1864-1865) and at Magdalen College, Oxford (1865). Principal tenor at Lincoln's Inn Chapel (1870). Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace (1876). Sang at the Worcester Festival of 1878 and the Alexander Palace Festival of 1876. Sang at many important concerts in London and its provinces.
Died: 11th October, 1910 (probably in London)


GUY, PETER (20th cent.)

Born: 8th July, (?)
He was Organ Scholar at Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, and later Organist and Master of the Choristers. He studied for his BMus at the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, studying organ and choral conducting with Dr Philip Matthias. He enjoys an active recital schedule, having performed in venues throughout Australia, the USA and the UK. He has been broadcast on ABC Classic FM, and competed in the keyboard finals of the (then) Symphony Australia Young Performer's Award, performing Poulenc's Organ Concerto with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Though not noted as a composer, he has penned a few short anthems and the like, but enjoys the challenge of capturing the character of the psalms in 14 bars or less!