Books › Biographical dictionary of musicians : with a bibliography of English writings on music, 1886 › scan 99
Scan 99
Biographical dictionary of musicians : with a bibliography of English writings on music, 1886
18 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 89. See the scan on archive.org.
1WORKS.—Organ: Arrangements for the Scores of the Great Masters, 5 vols.; The Art of Organ Playing, in 4 parts, London, n. d.; Collection of Pieces expressly Composed for Church Use, 6 Books; Sonata for Org., in G; Thirty Progressive Studies for the Use of Young Students; Handel Album, 20 vols.; Four Concert Fantasias; Christmas Fantasy on Ancient English Carols; Modern School for the Organ (Cocks), Lond. 1855; Handel's Six Organ Concertos (edited) 2 series; and opera and oratorio songs; Hommage à Handel, by I. Moscheles, arranged for org.; Three Preludes and Fugues; Six Concert Pieces; Andante with vars.; Introduction and Fugue (ded. to Hesse); Collection of Italian org. comps., edited; "Cecilia," a collection of org. pieces in diverse styles; Overture for orch., Festival, in C; and Marche Triomphe. Pianoforte Music: Marche Militaire; Romanesca, op. 16; Notturno, op. 27; Marche Triomphe, op. 21; Serenade from Don Juan. Church Music: Morning and Evening Service, composed for the Parish Church, Leeds, op. 40; A Morning, Communion, and Evening Service in simple chant form; A Morning and Evening Chant Service; A Communion Service, consisting of Kyrie, Nicene Creed, Sanctus, and Gloria; An Evening Service adapted to the Ancient Gregorian Plain Chant; Benedicite omnia opera; Te Deum in C; The Athanasian Creed. Anthems, etc.: Behold I bring you glad tidings; I will magnify Thee, O God, my King; Praise the Lord, call upon His name; The Lord is great in Sion; While shepherds watched their flocks by night; Abide with me (hymn); Jesus Christ is risen (hymn); Dies Iræ (hymn). What mournful thoughts. Glee for 5 voices.
3Mr. Best is generally acknowledged to be the greatest master of the organ now living in Britain. He belongs to that school of modern development which endeavours to make the organ the exponent of orchestral works. That the organ is in itself capable of producing orchestral effects in an adequate manner is indisputable, and the excellent manner in which it has been proved should be sufficient to reconcile those who imagine that it is performing out of its function and lending its powers to trickery. Best's technical knowledge of the instrument is great, while he possesses the utmost command over its various features. His recitals at Liverpool are among the most interesting items of the musical season in that city, and he has played with the greatest success throughout the provinces of England and in Scotland. He is great in every style, from Bach to Guilmant, and is particularly grand in his rendering of the divine fugues of the former master. His compositions for the Church Service are also highly deserving of praise, and are frequently produced in cathedrals and churches throughout England. Many of his anthems are in constant use in English churches. His didactic works are among the standard instruction books of the period, and are remarkable for the clearness of their explanations and the practical character of their descriptions.
5BETTINI (Alessandro). Italian tenor vocalist, B. Rome, 1830. S. under Sgatelli. Début at Madrid in 1853. Début in England at H.M. Theatre, London, 1862. Sang in St. Petersburg. Married to Mdlle. Trebelli, 1863.
7Signor Bettini is allowed to be a most useful tenor, and his voice is of an agreeable quality.
9BETTS (Arthur). English violinist and comp. of end of 18th and beginning of 19th centuries. B. in Lincolnshire. S. under Hindmarsh, Votti, Dussek, and Steibelt. Comp. sonatas, duets for vn. and 'cello; arrangements, etc.
11BETTS (Edward). English musician and writer of 18th century. He compiled "An Introduction to the Skill of Musick;" Anthems, Hymns, and "Psalm Tunes in several parts." Lond., 8vo, 1724.
13BETTS (John). English violin-maker, B. Stamford, Lincolnshire, 1755. Pupil of Richard Duke. Carried on business in shop in Royal Exchange, London. D. London, 1823. The quality of his violins is admired by some judges but depreciated by others. His nephew, EDWARD BETTS, also a pupil of Duke's, copied Amati with great success. He died [1815-20].
15BEUMER (Henri). French comp. and violinist, B. Leuwarden, 1831. Writer of violin music, ballets, overtures, songs.
17BEVIN (Elway). Welsh comp. and org., B. about middle of 16th century [1560-70]. S. under Tallis. Org. of Bristol Cath., 1589. Gent. Extraordin-
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.