Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

1685

Death

:

September 2, 1764

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

John Reading was a prominent English composer of the Baroque era, known for his contributions to sacred music. He was born in 1677 in Winchester, England, to a family of musicians. His father, also named John Reading, was a music teacher and organist, and his mother, Elizabeth, was a singer. From a young age, Reading showed a natural talent for music and began studying under his father's tutelage. As a teenager, Reading moved to London to further his musical education. He studied under the renowned composer and organist John Blow, who was also a mentor to Henry Purcell. Reading quickly gained a reputation as a skilled musician and was appointed as the organist at St. Dunstan's-in-the-West, a prominent church in London, at the age of 19. Throughout his career, Reading composed a significant amount of sacred music, including anthems, hymns, and cantatas. His works were often performed in churches and cathedrals throughout England, and he was highly regarded by his contemporaries. One of his most famous works is the anthem "Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened," which was composed for the coronation of King George II in 1727. Reading's music was characterized by its intricate harmonies and use of counterpoint. He was also known for his skillful use of the organ, which he often incorporated into his compositions. His music was heavily influenced by the works of his contemporaries, including Handel and Purcell, as well as earlier composers such as Bach and Monteverdi. In addition to his work as a composer, Reading was also a respected music teacher. He taught at several schools and universities throughout England, including Eton College and Oxford University. Many of his students went on to become successful musicians in their own right. Despite his success as a composer and teacher, Reading's personal life was marked by tragedy. He lost his wife and several of his children to illness, and he himself suffered from poor health in his later years. He died in 1764 at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy as one of England's most prominent Baroque composers. Today, Reading's music continues to be performed and studied by musicians and scholars around the world. His contributions to sacred music have earned him a place in the canon of classical composers, and his influence can be heard in the works of many later composers. Despite the challenges he faced in his personal life, John Reading's dedication to his craft and his contributions to the world of music have ensured that his legacy will endure for generations to come.

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