Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

August 12, 1838 in York, England

Death

:

January 28, 1896 in London, England

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

Joseph Barnby was a British composer and conductor who lived from 1838 to 1896. He was born in York, England, to a musical family. His father, Thomas Barnby, was a musician and conductor, and his mother, Jane Hawkes, was a singer. Joseph showed an early talent for music and began studying the piano and organ at a young age. In 1853, at the age of 15, Barnby became a chorister at York Minster, where he received a thorough musical education. He later studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he won several prizes for his compositions. In 1863, he was appointed organist and choirmaster at St. Andrew's Church in Wells Street, London, where he remained for six years. Barnby's career as a conductor began in 1866, when he was appointed conductor of the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society. He also conducted the choir at St. Anne's Church in Soho, London, and the choir at St. Michael's Church in Cornhill, London. In 1871, he was appointed conductor of the newly-formed Albert Hall Orchestra, which later became the Royal Albert Hall Orchestra. Barnby was a prolific composer, and his works include choral music, hymns, and operettas. He is perhaps best known for his hymn tunes, which are still widely sung today. Some of his most famous hymn tunes include "O Perfect Love," "Sweet Saviour, Bless Us Ere We Go," and "When Morning Gilds the Skies." Barnby's choral music includes a number of anthems and cantatas, many of which were written for the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society. One of his most famous choral works is "Rebekah," a cantata based on the story of Rebekah from the Book of Genesis. The work was first performed in 1871 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Barnby also composed several operettas, including "The Rival Curates," which was first performed in 1877. The operetta was a success and was performed throughout England and the United States. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Barnby was also a music educator. He taught at the Guildhall School of Music in London and was a professor of music at Cambridge University. He was also a member of the Royal College of Organists and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Oxford. Barnby's contributions to the world of classical music were significant, and his works continue to be performed and enjoyed today. His hymn tunes are particularly beloved, and his choral music and operettas are still performed by choirs and opera companies around the world.

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