Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

June 8, 1834

Death

:

April 8, 1897

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

George Mursell Garrett was a British composer and organist who lived from 1834 to 1897. He was born in Winchester, England, on September 24, 1834, to a family of musicians. His father, George Garrett, was a music teacher and organist, and his mother, Mary Ann Mursell, was a singer. George Mursell Garrett showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano and organ at a young age. Garrett's musical education began at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons from his father. He later studied with the organist of Winchester Cathedral, William Knyvett, and with the composer and organist Samuel Sebastian Wesley. Garrett's talent as a musician was evident from an early age, and he quickly became known for his skill on the piano and organ. In 1853, Garrett was appointed organist at St. John's Church in Winchester, a position he held for six years. During this time, he also began composing music, and his first published work, a hymn tune called "St. John's," was published in 1855. In 1859, Garrett moved to London to take up the position of organist at St. Mark's Church in Regent's Park. He remained in this position for the rest of his life. Garrett's career as a composer began to take off in the 1860s. He wrote a number of choral works, including anthems, canticles, and hymns, as well as instrumental music, such as organ pieces and chamber music. His music was well received by critics and audiences alike, and he became known as one of the leading composers of his time. One of Garrett's most famous works is his anthem "When Jesus, Our Lord, Was Born in Bethlehem," which was first performed in 1865. The piece is a setting of a text by the English poet Christina Rossetti and is known for its beautiful melody and rich harmonies. Another well-known work by Garrett is his hymn tune "Irby," which is often used for the Christmas carol "Once in Royal David's City." Garrett was also a respected organist and was known for his improvisational skills. He was a regular performer at the Crystal Palace concerts, which were held in London from 1854 to 1936 and were known for their innovative programming and high musical standards. Garrett's performances at these concerts were highly praised, and he became known as one of the leading organists of his time. In addition to his work as a composer and organist, Garrett was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music in London from 1866 to 1897 and was known for his rigorous teaching style and high standards. Many of his students went on to have successful careers as musicians and composers. Garrett's music was influenced by a number of different styles and traditions. He was particularly interested in the music of the English Renaissance, and his choral works often incorporate elements of this style. He was also influenced by the music of the German Romantic composers, such as Schumann and Brahms, and his instrumental music often reflects this influence. Despite his success as a composer and musician, Garrett's personal life was marked by tragedy. He suffered from poor health for much of his life and was forced to retire from his position at St. Mark's Church in 1896 due to ill health. He died the following year, on May 30, 1897, at the age of 62. Today, George Mursell Garrett is remembered as one of the leading composers and organists of the Victorian era.

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