John Garth (composer)

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John Garth (* 1721 in Harperley , ( County Durham ), † March 29, 1810 in Darlington ) was an English composer.

Life

Little is known about John Garth's early life. On June 23, 1742, Garth became a Freemason at a lodge.

In September 1745 and August 1746 he promoted concerts in Stockton-on-Tees . From 1746 he lived in Durham. There he organized weekly concerts with his friend Charles Avison until 1772. He sold tickets for it in his house. He gave music lessons with leading families in the region and gave organ concerts. In 1794 he married in Darlington Nancy (Nanny) Wrightson (1749 / 50-1829). He died on March 29, 1810 at his home (Cockerton Hall) and was buried on April 5 in St. Cuthberth's Church in Darlington.

Works

Garth's name was best known for his eight-volume edition (with English text) of The First Fifty Psalms Set to Music by Benedetto Marcello (1757–65; details here ). Among other things, Garth composed a number of cello concertos.

  • 6 Concerti, op. 1, for violoncello, strings and bc (London, 1760)
  • 6 sonatas, op.2, for harpsichord, pianoforte or organ, 2 violins and violoncello (London, around 1768)
  • 6 Voluntarys, op.3, for organ, pianoforte or harpsichord (London, 1771)
  • 6 sonatas à 7, op.4, for harpsichord, pianoforte or organ, 2 violins and violoncello (London, 1768, 1775, 1778 and 1782).

Discography

  • Cello Concerts 1-6. Cello: Richard Tunnicliffe. Avison Ensemble. Label 'Divine'.
  • Cello Concerto No. 2. Label 'helios'. Cello: Alexander Baillie. European Union Chamber Orchestra
  • Sonatas for Keyboard Instruments & Bc op.2 Nr.1-6 and Op.4 Nr.1-6, Gary Cooper and the "The Avison Ensemble" (2008)

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ 'Harmony and brotherly love: musicians and Freemasonry in 18th-century Durham City' by Simon Fleming in The Musical Times , 2008 (Autumn Edition), pp 69-80.
  2. ↑ Information on the Durham University website
  3. ↑ Description on the label's website
  4. ↑ jpc.de
personal data
SURNAME Garth, John
BRIEF DESCRIPTION English composer
DATE OF BIRTH 1721
PLACE OF BIRTH Harperley
DATE OF DEATH March 29, 1810
Place of death Darlington