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British Musical Biography, 1897
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1BECHER,
3Becher, Alfred Julius, composer, of German extraction, was born at Manchester in 1803. Educated at Universities of Heidelberg, Berlin, etc. Resided at Vienna as editor of the Radikal, a democratic sheet, which was filled with seditious articles by Becher. Shot at Vienna for sedition, Nov. 23, 1846
5Works.—Op. 1, Songs for solo voice and piano, op. 2, Lyrical pieces for the pf, op 3, Six poems for voice and pf; op. 5, Rondo for the pf; op 6, Six songs for voice and pf; op 7, Three sonatas for pf solo; op 8, Original theme for pf; op. 9, Monologue for pf, op 10, Six songs for voice and pf; op. 11, Sonata for pf; op. 18, Nine pieces for pf.; A Symphody; String quartet, and various articles on music.
7Beckwith, John Christmas, composer and organist, born at Norwich, December 25, 1750. Studied under Dr Wm and Philip Hayes, at St Magdalen College, Oxford. Organist of St Peter's, Mancroft, Norwich, 1794. Organist of Norwich Cathedral in succession to Thos Garland, 1808 Mus Bac. and Doc Oxon, 1803. Instructed Thomas Vaughan, the vocalist, in singing Died at Norwich, June 3, 1809.
9Works—The First verse of every Psalm of David, with an ancient or modern chant in score, adapted as much as possible to the sentiment of each Psalm. London, 1808. Six Anthems in Score, for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 voices. London [1790]. Glees: Hark, o'er the waves; Chimney sweepers; Favourite concerto for the organ, harpsichord, or pianoforte, op 4 [1795], Sonata for the harpsichord or pf, op 3; Six voluntaries for the organ or harpsichord, London, 1780; Songs, etc.
11Beckwith was an organist of much genius, and was famous for his extempore playing. The name, "Christmas," is supposed to be a nickname given on account of his birthday. His son, John Charles (born 1788, died October 5, 1828) was an organist of much ability, and succeeded to the post at Norwich Cathedral in 1809. His uncle, John Beckwith (born 1728, died May 14, 1800), was a lay-clerk in Norwich cathedral. His brother, the Rev Edward James Beckwith (died January 7, 1833), was succentor of St Paul's Cathedral, and the composer of some chants.
13Bedford, Arthur, divine and writer, was born at Tidenham, Gloucester, September, 1668. Studied at Oxford. Died at London, 1745.
15Works.—The Temple Musick, or an Essay concerning the Method of Singing the Psalms of David in the Temple before the Babylonish Captivity, wherein the musick of our Cathedrals is vindicated… Bristol, 1706; Essay on Singing David's Psalms, 1708; The Great abuse of Musick, containing an account of the use and design of Musick among the Antient Jews, Greeks, Romans, etc., London, 1711; The Excellency of Divine Musick… to which is added a specimen of easy grave tunes instead of those which are used in our profane and wanton ballads, London, 1733, Scripture Chronology demonstrated by Astronomical Calculations, London, 1730, The Present State of the Republick of Letters, London, 1730; Serious Reflections on the Scandalous Abuse and Effects of the Stage, Bristol, 1705.
17Bedford, Herbert, composer, born in London, 1867, Musically educated at the Guildhall School of Music, where he was twice awarded the annual prize for composition. First came prominently into notice by a concert of his works at the Meistersinger's Club, May 30, 1892. His principal compositions are "La Belle Dame sans merci" (Keats), and "La Joie fait peur," for voice and orchestra; an opera, "Kit Marlowe," not yet produced, an Ave Maria, for contralto solo, contralto chorus, violoncello, pf, harp, and organ; a group of French songs; an Album of English songs (including a setting of Shelley's Ode to Music), etc. In 1894 he married Miss Liza Lehmann, the vocalist and composer (q.v.)
19Bedford, Paul John, comedian and bass vocalist, born at Bath, 1792? Sang at Drury Lane, November 10, 1824, in the first proper or complete performance of Weber's "Der Freischutz," taking the part of Bernhard. From 1833 he sang in opera at Covent Garden, and later in farces at the Adelphi. He had a good, deep bass voice. He died in London, January 11, 1871.
21Bedsmore, Thomas, organist and composer, was born at Lichfield in 1833. Chorister, Lichfield Cathedral, 1848; articled to Samuel Spofforth, the Cathedral organist; and after the death of his teacher, in 1864, he was appointed his successor. Died at Lichfield, June 9, 1881. Composer of Church music, songs, pianoforte music, etc.
23Beecroft, George Andus Beaumont, amateur composer, was born in 1845. His father was M.P. for Leeds. He was educated at Oxford, where he graduated B.A., in 1868, and M.A., in 1872; Mus. Bac., Oxford, 1867. He died on May 3, 1878. He composed some vocal music, and contributed to the Choir and other musical journals. He also published a Magnificat and Nunc dimittis; a Minuet and Trio for Pianoforte; Three casts from the antique for Pianoforte, etc.
25Beesley, Mrs., see SPINNEY, MATTIE.
27Beesley, Michael, published "A Book of Psalmody, containing instructions for young beginners, after as plain and familiar a manner as any, with a collection of psalm tunes, anthems, hymns, etc… engraved by M. Beesley," 17—
29Begg, Rev. James, Scottish divine, born 1809, died at Edinburgh, 1888. Author of
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