Sir John Goss. 1800-1880 (Concluded) Author(s): F. G. E. Source: The Musical Times and Singing Class Circular, Vol. 42, No. 700 (Jun. 1, 1901), pp. 375-383

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This content downloaded from 137.189.170.231 on Thu, 05 Nov 2015 01:21:39 UTC All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions THE MUSICAL TIMES. JUNEI, I90I. 375 deprecatoryabout this accomplishmentof hers, SIR JOHN GOSS. in which,however, she acquittedherself charm- I800-I880. ingly. Her favouritemusicianwas Mendelssohn, who had greatly pleased her in early days as a (Concludedfrom page 23 I .) man. She would have nothing to say, until BEFOREresuming this biographicalsketch, a quite late in life7to Wagner or Brahms, and slight error in its Erst instalment (p. 225), once dismissed them all in one of her abrupt kindly pointed out by Mr. John S. Bumpus, turns of conversation, " Quite incomprehen-must be rectified. The habitation of Mr. sible! " " I am bored with the Future StaffordSmith, with whom the altogether,"she used to say, " and don't want Children lived in Goss's day, was located at to hear any more about it." She was not Broad Sanctuary,Westminster, and not at more partial to some of the old masters, and Adelphi Terrace. One of Sir John Goss's once closed a musical discussion by saying, daughtershas furnishedus with a curiousside- " Handel always tires me, and I won't pretend light on her father'sold master. She says: ' In he doesn't." She carried out her aversionto my childhoodStaSord Smith lived in Paradise the last, and forbadethat the Dead March in Row, and I rememberour servantsgoing to see Saul should be playedat her funeral.' him as he lay in his coffin,where he was attired In regardto prima donnas,she placed Grisi in full court dress, satin breeches,buckles, &c. on a higher level than all other operatic per- He it was who made all the boys learn the r3th formers. When that actress flung herself chapterof the Srst Epistle to the Corinthians, across the door in ' The Huguenots,' or which my father never mentioned without arrangedthe poison scene with the Duke in saying, " God bless him for it."' ' Lucrezia Borgia,' and when Viardot Garcia After his appointmentto the organistshipof rose to the height of her invective in the St. Paul's (on April 25, I838), the life of Sir ' Prophete,' the Queen's face blazed with John Goss was not crowdedwith incident. He approbation. She would turn in her box and did his work conscientiouslyand without fuss say, ' There ! not one of the others could do or self-advertisement,content with doing his that; no, not even Alboni! ' duty in that state of life into whichit hadpleased The love of humourwas a markedcharacter- God to call him. In I84I (the Prefaceis dated istic in our late Queen's nature, and, by those ' 30, Sloane Street, October of that year') he well qualifiedto judge,she possessedremarkable issued his well known collection of ' Chants, intuitivenessas a musicalcritic. As the writer Ancient and Modern,in score, with an accom- of the article observes:- paniment for the organ or pianoforte.' This ' She thoroughlyenjoyed a good farce, and publication of 257 chants contained some laughedheartily at the jokes. She delightedin practical ' prefatoryobservations on chanting.' Italian opera, and when she liked a piece, she steeped herself in every part of it, the melody A COMPOSEROF ANTHEMS. and the romance,and heard it over and over Goss is best known to posterity as the until she knew the music by heart. " Norma" composer of anthems, just as Handel is =vvasa great favourite; and in late years Calve regardedas the great oratorioist-if that word won her heart in " Carmen,"to which opera- may be allowed. Both musicians, however, music, plot, and evervthing the Queenbecame did not embarkupon the great work of their absolutelyde+Toted. And the pieces of Gilbert lives till a late period in their careers. In the and Sullivan were an endless delight to her; year I842, when he was forty-oneyears of age, she would even take a part in theseXvery drolly Goss contemplated composingan anthem to and prettily. No one could form a more words from each of the I 50 Psalms, but he sympathetic audience, whether in music or nevergot beyondthe ISrst a setting of ' Blessed drama,than the Queen. She gave her unbroken is the man.' This composition was received attentionto the performer,and followed what- with such coldness by the membersof his own ever was being done with an almost childish Cathedralchoir, and such unkindlycriticisms eagerness. If the tenor began to be in the were passed upon it, that Goss did not write least heavy, the Queen would be observed to anotheranthem for ten years. ' Blessed is the fidget, as though hardly restrainedfrom break- man' (the anthem above referredto) was not ing into song herself; and at the slightest publishedtill twenty yearsafter its composition, deviation from perfection of delivery her fan when it formedone of a ' Collectionof Anthems began to move. No part of her characterwas forcertain Seasons and Festivalsof the Church,' more singularly interesting than the way in edited by Sir FrederickOuseley. Four years which, in such matters as these, she pre- later (in I 846) Goss edited, in collaboration served a charm of juvenile freshness like an with , organist of Westminster atmospheresurrounding the complexmachinery Abbey, a collection of cathedral services and of her mind.' anthems in two volumes, some of which had Would it not be interesting to know which not then been printed.* parts Queen Victoria took so ' very drolly and prettily' in the Gilbert and Sullivan * For a complete list of these services and anthems, which appeared periodically, see 'The Organists and Composers of St. Paul's,' an comicalities? invaluable book on the subject, by Mr. John S. Bumpus, p. I62.

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The reputation of John Goss as a master- on January 1, I857), Goss was sworn in composerof English churchmusic received its Composerto Her Majesty's Chapels Royal, in hall markin the two anthems he composedfor succession to VVrilliamKnyvett. No better the state funeralof the Duke of Wellington,in appointmentcould have been made. St. Paul's Cathedral,November I8, I852 the settings of ' If we believe that Jeslls died' and AN ORATORIO PERFORMANCE IN ST. PAUL S. the Dirge, beginning ' And the King said to A practically unknown,but importantevent a11the people.' The latter, accompaniedby in the quiet life of our composer has now to windinstruments (flutes, oboes, bassoons, horns, be recorded. In I 860 the organ screen in trumpets,cornets, trombones, ophicleide, drums, St. Paul s Cathedralwas removedand Father muffledside-drums, and organ),concluded with Smith s organ placed under the North-East the words (recitative),' And the King said unto arch of the chancel. At the same time the his servants,Know ye not that there is a Prince organ, originally in the Panopticon,Leicester and a Great Man, fall'n this day in Israel ?' Square,was acquiredby the Dean and Chapter which led on to the Dead March in ' Saul,' and erected over the South door. In connec- 4 during the perforlnancoof which the Body tion with the re-openingof the Cathedralafter was lowered,' as the score indicates. From the alterations,and in aid of the funds for the The Times report of that solemn functionwe purchase of the organ above referred to, a learn that there were ' two choirs in two lines,' performanceof ' The ' on a festival one being conductedby James Turle, the other scale was given in the Cathedral and under by Mr. Francis.* There was no full rehearsal the dome, on Friday, Januarz,-25, IS6r. It was of the music, as the wind instrument the Srst time that an oratorio had been per- players were engaOedat a Sacred Harmonic formed in St. Paul's since its erection l y concert at Exeter Hall. As The Ti)nessaid, NVren,nearly two hundredyears before; and ' Their absencewas a serious drawback.' On so importantdid the event loom in the jour- that occasion the Precentorpresented himself nalistic horizon of Mr. J. W. Davison, the for admittanceto the cathedral,but the vergers critic-in-chiefof the day, that he devoted to it would not let him in, as his features were tc no less than three leading articles, in three them totally unknown. No wonderthat Sidney sllccessiveweeks, in the columnsof the Muszcal Smith called this Precentor,the Absentor! World. Here is the announcementof the performance:- PRAISE THE LORD, O MY SOUL ! ST. PAUL'SCATHEDRAL.-Opening of the magnificent Two years later Goss wrote one of his most New Organ, Friday morning, Jan. 2sth, I86I, the popular anthemsfor the Bi-centenaryFestival Bestival of the Conversion of St. Paul, a Grand Per- of the Sons of the Clergy, held in St. Palll's formance, under the Dome, of Handel's Messiah,in Aid Cathedral,May IO, I854. This was the well of the Cathedral Fund, especially the purchase and known ' Praise the Lord, O my soul.' On that erection of the new organ. interesting occasion the anthem was accom- Principal vocalists-Madame Lemmens Sherrington, panied by a full wind band. Goss's neatly Mrs. Lockey, Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. Lockey, Mr. writtenautograph of the full score is t)eforeus, Francis, Mr. H. Buckland, Mr. Winn, Mr. Lewis and it is interesting to observe that he has Thomas. Conductor, MR. Goss. Organist, Mr. G. indicated the recitative for tenors and basses Cooper. Band and chorus of 600 performers. (; They that put their trust in the Lord') to be I'ickets, under the dome, II. IS.; transept, IOS. 6d.; sung ' strictly in time,' and at the a.nd' Go on nave, ss., &c. at once to the chorus.' Mr.John S. Bumpus Through the kindness of the veteran Mr. records that the beautiful slow movement of Charles Lockey, a Vicar-Choral of St . Paul's this anthem (' O pray for the peace of Jerusa- Cathedralsince I843, we are enabledto give an eIn ) was sung sotto voce by the whole of the interesting letter written to him by Goss in choir, 250 voices, on that I854 occasion, and connection with this great oratorio event in that the choralrecitative how thrillint,in their St. Paul's Cathedralforty 57earsago. nobility of expression are those seven simple 25, Bessborough Gardens, bars-was gi ven forth by all the tenors and Pimlico. basses in unison I 20 strong. Orchestral I8 Dec., I860. accompanimentsin church were suspiciously MY Dear Sir, regardedin those days. Even the Guardlael We owe you and Francis thanks for advocating consideredit a duty to observe: ' We do not the charlge of the oratolio. I now write to ask you to admire the unnecessary addition of wind send word to Mr. Headland (whom perhaps you know), instruments.' Who would consider tllem 9, Heathcote Street, Mechlenburgh Square, W.C., that unnecessarynow? To the sarrleyear (S854) (as I hope) you and Mrs. Lockey consent to be announced belongs the editorship of the Psalter and for the * Messiah,' at St. Paul's, on Thursday, the 24th Hymnal kno^n as Mercer's, a meritoriousJanuaxy, at 2 o clock. I mentioned to Mr. Webber,* &c., book which enjoyed a large circulation. On the very handsome way in which you alluded to the November >8, I 856 (to commencehis duties engagement of Reeves, should it be thought expedient; and, as you are so out of voice, and of course unable to

* Thomas Francis (I8LZ-1887), a well known Alto Vicar-Choral of St. Paul's Cathedral. * Then Sub-dean arjdSuccentor of St. Paul's Cathedral.

This content downloaded from 137.189.170.231 on Thu, 05 Nov 2015 01:21:39 UTC All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions THE MUSICAL TIMES.- JUNEI, 190I. 377 answer for being all right at that particulartime, I have, Festival of the Sons of the Clergy and Erst with Mr. W.'s concurrence,sent to offer Mr. Reeves an performedin St. Paul's, May 2 I, I 862. On engagement,hoping thus to secure one or both of you. December27, I866, a banquetwas given in his It is, you know, absolutelyindispensable to put out an honour,when he was presented with a hand- announcementwith no furtlierloss of time. We will put some candelabraand a silver inkstand. in no names of course withoutthe previousconsent of the The longperiod-thirty-four years of Goss's parties. organistshipof St. Paul's came to an end in I did not ask Francis,but do you think he wouldlike to I872. It was signalisedby an importantevent sing one of the alto songs ? in the historyof the nation the Thanksgiving The quartettsin the 3rd part, except perhapsthe treble, might also be takenby our choir. service for the recoveryof the Prince of Wales These are merely thoughts occurring to me at the (now King EdwardVII.), held in the Cathedral, moment February27, I872. For this event he composed Yoursever truly, an anthem,' The Lord is my strengthand song,' J. Goss. and a Te Deum, both performed in the CH.LOCKEY, Esq. Cathedral. Gounod,then residing in LondonX Excuse haste and any advice will be thankfully had composed a Te Deum for that occasion, received. and he was very desirousof havingit performed In sending us the above interesting letter, in St. Paul7s. The following correspondence Mr. Lockey (now an octogenarian) writes: betweenthe French composerand the English ' I was prevented from taking part in the organistspeaks for itself:- oratorio performancethrough severe hoarse- Tavistock House, ness. Mrs. Lockey was the contralto. It Tavistock Square, would seem that some other oratorio was Friday, Jan. I9, I872. originallyfixed, but in this matter my memory My Dear Mr. Goss, fails me.' Was it Mendelssohn's' St. Paul' ? I have composed in commemoration, and as a In this connection the concluding paragraph thanksgiving for the recovery of H.R.H. The Prince of of one of Mr. Davison's trenchantleaders in Wales, a Te Deum on the text of your English church The AIusicall+'orld (January >6, I86I) may be service for chorus and organ. I should be very happy if it quoted:- could be performed at St. Paul's on the occasion of Her To conclude. Would not Mendelssohn's ' St. Paul' Majesty's going to St. Paul's to render thanks, as I see it have bettersuited the anniversaryof the Festival of St. is her intention to do so in February next; and I would Paul's (or Saul's) conversion? Answer: decidedlynot. be very grateful to you if you could manage this for me. ' The Messiah' drawsmore money; the Dean and Chapter Believe me, dear Mr Goss, to remain, sincerely yours, want money; they don't want ' St. Paul 7; 4 St. Paul ' won't pay Mr.E. T. Smith;* ' The Messiah' will (perhaps). CH. GOUNOD. The same journal, in a notice of the per- The organist of St. Paul's replied in the formance,said:- followingterms:- Mr. Goss, the accomplishedorganist of the Cathedral, Jan. 23, I872. wieldedthe baton over the six hundredwho composedthe My Dear Sir, band and chorus; and, taken altogether, a more solemn As soon as I received your letter about the Te Deum and impressiverendering of the masterpieceof Handel, I took it to our Dean, but I have not since heard from him. which assuredlywas ' not for an age, but for all time,' has In all candour I must confess to you that I do not wish neverbeen heardin the metropolis.... The whole of the it to be accepted for the occasion of the National Thanks- tenorpart was given to Mr. Sims Reeves,who more than giving in St. Paul's, for the very natural reason that there ever distinguishedhimself, being in remarkablyfine voice, are yet Englishmen in existence who surely are capable of and infusing all the pathos, tenderness,and energy of and would be expected to produce the music required for which he is so thorough a master,into his singing from the ceremony. I am quite sure their hearts wou]d be in first to last. Mrs. Lockey's wonderfullyrich voice was the cause. heard to eminent advantage in the contralto music.... You will, I trust, forgive my hasty remarks and, Dear The choruses,with some few exceptions,were impressively Sir, believe me, witb all veneration for your genius, given-' All we like sheep,' the ' Hallelujah,'and the final Yours faithfully, ' Amen' being remarkablefor vigour and sonority. JOHNGoss. Thus it will be seen that Sir John Goss, Very soon after the Thanksgiving Service, in this impressive performance of Handel's Goss, full of years and honour, retired from ' Messiah,' foreshadowedthose notable render- St. Paul's on his full emolumentsand thence- ings of oratorioswhich, underthe directionof forwardlived a quiet life. He was knighted,by Sir and Sir GeorgeMartin, have QueenVictoria, at Windsor,on MarchI9, I872, so largely and so beneScentlyentered into the and Eve days later he playedfor the last time in musicallife of our greatMetropolitan Cathedral. the greatCathedral. OnJune I, I876,in company To the same year as ' The MessiahX per- with his old pupil, ArthurSullivan, he received formance( I 86I ) belongsthe well knownanthem the honourof being createda doctor of music s The Wilderness,' written by Goss for the (honoris causa) by the Universityof Cambridge. He was also an Hon. Member of the Royal $ Then proprietorof the Panopticon, now the Alhambra, Leicester Square, who sold the organ to the Dean and Chapter. Academyof Music, and a memberof the Royal

This content downloaded from 137.189.170.231 on Thu, 05 Nov 2015 01:21:39 UTC All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions . . 1 . Y. * t r * bration1 1 TTof theChurch Coronation Muslc. of Oueen Victoria, I838.

378 THE MUSICAL TIMES. JUNEI, I90r.

Society of Musiciansand of the Philharmonic Behold, I bring you good tidings. THE MUSICAL Society, and an originalmember of the Musical TIMES, December, I857. ASSOCiatiOn (I876)X He died, in his eightieth 8B1ess(dss)theman that considereth the poor and need,, year, at >6, LambertRoad, Brixton Rise, May Blessed is the man that hath not walked in the counsel Io, I 880. The firstpart of the funeralservice was of the ungodly. I842 but first published in Sir Frederick held in St. Paul's Cathedral,when his anthem Ouseley's Collection, I86I. If we believe that Jesus died' was sng. Brother, thou art gone before us. Dean Milmanss wOrcls ET- . * * Composed for the Festival of the Sons of the (:lergy, May n1s remalns are lnterred ln Kensal Green 17,1865, and dedicated to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales Cemetery. His grave,surmounted with a runic who was a Steward on that occasion. (The first movemerst cross of red granite, is near the last resting- °f this anthem was subsequently adapted to the words, place of Tom Hood Michael William Balfe ' Lord, let me knowmine end.m) 1 ss. ssr 11 s rT- s s *r _ , ' Christ iS risen from the dead. Congregational Church ana vlncent vvallace. n1S czevoteawlte, L.ady Music Goss, who survived him for nearly Efteen Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Easter. Writte years, died on February I5, I895, in her for THE MUSICAL TIMES, March, I857 at the request ot ninety-fifthyear ! the then proprietor. Come and let us return unto the Lord. National Humiliation, I866. THE GOSS SCHOLARSHIP AND CENOTAPH. Enter not into judgment. The Office of Praise, I870. Fear not, O land. Harvest. Words selecled by tEle Soon after the retlrementof Slr John Goss Rev. Precentor Dickson. I863. from St. Paul's Cathedral, steps were taken Forsake me not. (MS.) to commemoratehis life-workin the cause of Godsolovedtheworld ContributedtoSacredHarmony, English church music. The testimonialtook edited by HenryJohn Haycraft A R A M I85I , r r ,S, , , . , X , A 1 Have mercy upon me, O God. Gresham Prize AnthemS tne Iorm OI a acnolarsnlpat tne zoyal Academy I833. Inscribed to Thomas Attwood, by ' his gratefully of Music ' for a choir boy intending to attachedpupil.' enter the profession,and taking the organ as Hear, O Lorde and have mercy. I865. his principal study.' The trust deed was Hosanna, for unto us is born this day. Congregational presenteato rlr Jonn woss ln tne tnapter nouse, I am the Resurrection and the Life. St. Paul's, on April x4, I875; the Srst two If we believe that Jesus died. Composed for the State holders of the Scholarshipwere Mr. Ernest funeral ofthe Duke of Wellington, in St. Paul's Cathedral, Ford (I875) and WIr.Edwin H. Lemare(I878). NoYember I8} I852. (Sec also, 'And the Kingsaid.') r . * 1 * r . I heard a voice from heaven. Dedicated to his son, the t n t.ze slxtn annlversaryOI .lIS Cbeat l a ceno- Rev. John Goss, Vicar-Choral of Hereford Cathedral, and taph, to the memory of the distlngulshed Vicar of S. John Baptist Church (the Lady Chapel) composer, was unveiled in the crypt of St. Hereford, who died September 27 I877. Paul's Cathedral. In this connection the In Chri8t dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead. Cir- g letter from Mr. Hamo Thornycroft, cuI clililon- Sif FThderick Ouseley s Collection I86r. R.A., to us, dated ' I8 March, I9OI,' may Let the wicked forsake his way. Contributed to Sacred be quoted: Harmony, edited by Henry John Haycraft, A.R.A.M., I85I. Let Thy merciful ear. Congregational Church Music. I am in receipt of your letter of I7tb. The memorial Liftupthineeyesroundabout. Doublechoir. Epiphany. was designed by Mr. John Belcher, A.R.A., the architect, Composed for the Festival of the Sons of the Clergy, I863. and the centre panel, which is in marble, was modelled Dedicated to the Rev. Francis Garden, Sub-Dean of the and carved b me. I seiected four or five of the St. Paul's Chapel Royal . . . e . .. Lord, let me know mine end. (See Brother, thou art. CllOlr DOys and they came ana sat to me ln my stualo, but gone before us ) their names I do not recollect. My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lordb Yours faithfully, Congregational Church Music. HAMO THORNYCROFT. O give thanks unto the Lord. Dedicated to Henry Buckland. Composed for the Special Sunday evening * choir of St. Paul's Cathedral I866. We glve a photographof thls chaste and very o Lord God, Thou strengti of myhealth. Composed for beaut1fulmemorlal. It 1S not wlthoutlnterest the funeral of Admiral the Earl of Dundonald, in West- to place on record that one of the St. Paul's minster Abbey, November 14, I860. choristerswho sat to Mr. Hamo Thornycroft ° Lord, grant the Queen a long life. Composed in cele- was tnarles lvlacpnerson,now su-organlst OI o Lord, Thou art my God. I868. In MS., but shortly the Cathedral. to be published by Messrs. Novello. O praise the Lord, laud ye the Name of the Lord. Com- ANTHEMS. posed for the enthronement of the Bishop of London (Dr. Tait), December 4, I856, and sung in procession from The followlng 1S an attempt at a complete the West door to the Choir. list, with dedications, &c., of the anthems o praise the Lord of heaven. Dedicated to J. Joyce composedby Sir John Goss. Murray, Esq. This anthem has a footnote to the following effect: ' The first phrase taken inadvertently from Almighty and everlasting God. Congregational Church Mendelssohn's " St. Paul."' I868. Music. O Saviour of the World. Dedicated to his friend, Joseph Almighty and merciful God. A setting of the Collect Barnby, Esq. I869. for the I3th Sunday after Trinity. I858. 0 taste and see how gracious the Lord is. Composed And the King said to all the people. Dirge. The expressly for and inscribed to the members of the special words selected and altered by Dean Milman. Composed Sunday evening choir of St. Paul's CathPdral. I863. (with ' If we believe ') for the State funeral of the Duke of Praise the Lord, O my soul. Dedicated to H. C. Hextall Wellington, in St. Paul's Cathedral, November I89 I852 Esq. Composed for the Bi-centenary Festival of the Sons and performed with orchestral accompaniment of wind of the Clergy, St. Paul s, I854 and sung (on May Io) with instruments. orchestral accompaniment of wind instruments.

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THE CENOTAPHTO THE MEMORYOF SIR JOHN GOSS IN THE CRYPT OF ST. PAUL S CATHEDRAL.

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380 THE MUSICAL TIMES.- JUNEI, I90I. Praisewaiteth for Thee, O God, in Sion. A new hand- In addition to the compositions already bookof anthems,I862. referredto, mention must be made of his Ene Stand up, and bless the Lord your God. The words selectedby the Rev. Dr. JohnJebb. Composedfor the re- Services in C, D (two settings), A, F, and E, openingof HerefordCathedral, June 30, I863. and the Burial Service in E minor, hymn The glory of the Lordshall endurefor ever. Dedicated tunes, carols, and chants, all of which, while to Captain Malton. Composed for the seventh annual written in the true church style, are as Festival of the Richmondand Kingston Church Choral Association,I869. melodiouslybeautiful as they are devotionally The Lord is my strength and my song. Composedfor impressive. The doublechant in E, the settirlg the ThanksgivingService in St. Paul's for the recoveryof of Lyte's words 4 Praise, my soul, the Kingof the Princeof Wales, i'ebruary27, I872, and dedicatedto heaven,' and the carol, 4 See, amid the winter's QueenVictoria. The Queen shall rejoice. Composedin honour of the snow,' for example, are models of congrega- marriageof QueenVictoria. I840. tional church music. Thereis none like untothe Godof Jeshurun.Unfinished, completedby his pupil,Sir ArthurSullivan. GEORGE COOPER. These are they which follow the Lamb. Composedfor the Feast of the Holy Innocents,I859. Contributedto Sir No biography on Sir John Goss could be FrederickOuseley's Collection, I86I. consideredcomplete without even a bare men- The Wilderness. Dedicated to the Rev. W. C. F. tion of his deputy-organist,George Cooper Webber, Sub-deanand Succentorof St. Paul's, the words (I820-I876), who was his faithful assistant at selectedby him. I86I. W'herewithalshall a young mancleanse his way ? Con- St. Paul's for nearly thirty years. Cooperwas gregationalChurch Music. Will God in very deed > CongregationalChurch Music. In additionto the informationalready given in regardto ' Praise the Lord, O my soul,' the following remarks upon three other anthems may be found interesting. The copy of s O praise the Lordof heaven' which Goss gave to Sir John Stainer is thus endorsed in the com- poser's own hand: 'The " quotation" from St. Paul was not noticed by me until the anthem was engraved. J. G.' The familiar setting of 4 O taste and see' was Erst sung at the special Sunday Evening Service at St. Paul's, on FebruaryI5, I863. TheGuastdian, in commentingupon the service, said:- The anthem, ' O taste and see how gracious the Lord is ' (34th Psalm, 8, 9, I0), was also sung for the firsttime at these services. To these words Mr. Goss has composed graceful and expressivemusic, admirablysuited for per- formanceby the numerousand chieflyamateur choir, for which it was recentlywritten by the talented theoristand composer. This little anthemis in good form; the music lies well within the compassof ordinaryvoices, the tenor part not ranginghigher than D, and the harmonyis chiefly diatonic.

Saviour of the World,' owed ltS origin to the late Sir Joseph Barnby. ' I was very much GEORGE COOPER (I820-I876). struck, remarkedBarnby to the presentwriter, SUB-ORGANIST OF ST. PAUL S CATHEDRAL FROM I834 TO 1876. ' with the beauty of those words in the Order (Reptoducedby kixdpermission ofthe V«cars-ChoralandAssistan for the visitation of the sick-O Saviourof the Vicars-Choralof St.Paul's Cathedtal.) World. One day I was sitting with Goss in the organloft of the Chapel Royal,to which he not only one of the greatest organlsts of his was Composer. I handed him a prayer-book day, but he had some very distinguished and, pointing to the passage, said " I wish puplls eg., Slr John Stainer, Sir Arthur you would set these words to music." Goss, Sulllvan, and Sir Walter Parratt. after reading them replied* *Xs " You try. your. . GOSSAND THE DEAN AND CHAPTER. hand." " No," I sala, '; worusllKe those snoula be set by an older manthan I- one who has had Much has been said, often to the disparage- a deeper experienceof life."' Goss eventually ment of Goss, as to the state of the music at acceded to Barnby'srequest and composedthe St. Paul's during his organistship. But in anthem. Barnby finished the story by saying, justice to him it must be recordedthat he tried not withoutjust a touch of pride, she dedicated again and again to rousethe Dean and Chapter it to me.' The origina]folio edition bears the to their responsibilities,but without success. inscription: ' To his friend, Joseph Barnby, Here, for instance, is a specimenof the letters Esq.' -doubtless one of many he wrote to the

This content downloaded from 137.189.170.231 on Thu, 05 Nov 2015 01:21:39 UTC All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions THE MUSICAL TIMES. JUNEI, I90I. 38I Cathedralpowers that be, on a subjectthat was Those who are familiarwith the caligraphy constantlygiving him the greatestanxiety: of Sir FrederickBridge may read betweenthe I5,Clarewood Terrace, Brixton, lines of the followingpostscript. January29, I870. P.S. Forgive my question-but whose ink do you use ? Very Revd. Sir, It must be WATERLOW'SI fancy. In answerto your question-what is the smallest number of voices requisite for the due performanceof The following is the origin of a well known ChoralService in St. Paul's Cathedral? I beg to say that sobriqxet Goss being its inventor:- at least I8adults and from24 to 30 boys shouldbe present Clarewood House, Brixton, at everyservice, to give anything like propereffect to the July 3, I875 music. My dear Bridge, With this numberof good trained voices, underproper I heartily congratulate you on your success in discipline,our daily service,instead of being a humiliation gaining the appointment at . and disgraceto all concerned(as it is now),might be made I dine this evening with Stainer at the Albion. Hc gives a worthypattern for the whole Diocese. his treat (if I understand) as I and past vicars-choral had In the above number I, of course, do not take into done before him. If a fitting opportunity offers to give accountabsentors. To allow for such our numbershould such a toast, I mean to give Westminster Bridge. be so much the greater. Yours sincerely, I am, Very Rev. Sir, JOHNGoss. Yourobedient servant, JOHNGoss, GOSS AND THE INCOME TAX COMMISSIONERS. Organistof St. Paul's Cathedraland Composer Sir has been kind to Her Majesty'sChapel Royal. enough to record, in his own graphic style, The Very Rev. the Deanof St. Paul's the followingamusing incident in the life of his P.S. I wouldnot lengthenmy letterby any unnecessary old master:- details, but I do wish to lay stress on the necessity for Goss once told me an amusing episode in his life-an having in our vast edifice voices of poweras well as appeal against the Income Tax Commissioners, who had sweetness. assessed him too highly on his earnings as a teacher, &c. The ordinaryrun of volunteershave little power and, I will try and tell the story of Goss's successful resistance what is worse, they have not skill enough to bring out what they have. Witness the comparativelysmall effect to this action. It contains a moral which may bc useful we obtain from our 200voices at the Special Sunday to other people in a similar dilemma. EsreningServices. During the week-days our service is Goss presented himself before the Commissioners, somc muchdeadened by the street noises. of whom knew him personally-and, of course, all knew who he was. Bowing politely to the row of gentlemen J. G. Goss approached the table, carrying in his arms a large PUPILS AND LETTERS. number of small neat-looking books. These he spread out carefully in front of himself, and arranged in some special Sir John Goss was a very busy teacher. His order. His proceedings took a little time (for he was not professionalpupils included Sir ArthurSullivan, a man to hurry) and excited the curiosity of the of whomboth he and Lady Goss werevery fond, Commissioners. Dr. i. H. Cowen, and the two Bridges Sir ' Well, Mr. Goss,' said the chairman; ' you are here FrederickBridge, of WestminsterAbbey, and to appeal against the assessment of your income as being Dr. Joseph C. Bridge, organist of Chester too high ? ' Cathedral. Sir Frederick Bridge has kindly ' Certainly, sir, with your permission,' was the answer. lent us someletters and Goss was an excellent ' Can you give us any idea of the number of lessons you letter writerof the old school he receivedfrom usually give, and the amount you earn ? ' his old master. Here is one, in response ' I can give you exact information, sir.' to a request that he (Goss) should write an ' Oh, that's capital; we shall soon settle it,' said Mr. introductionto his anthem(altered to) 4Sister, Commissioner. thou art gone beforeus,' sung in Westminster ' I hope so, sir,' said Goss, with a bow. Abbey, on Nlarch I2, I876, the Sunday after ' Well, now, Mr. Goss, go on.' the funeralof Lady AugustaStanley: At this request Goss hunted about among his numerous books (which were diarics, kept with great acturacy, which ClarewoodHouse, Brixton, March,I876. he wrote up regularly), and, after some time, to the relief of My dear Sir, the anxious Commissioners (who had many other applicants I am sorrynot to have furnishedyou with what I to attend to), found the right book. After clearing his did put on paperas a prelude Believe me it was quite an throat and wiping his spectacles, Goss proceeded to read anxietyto me. I did what was not at all to my liking- out every entry from the beginning of the year which had failing in previousattempts. I forcedmyself to try again any relation to his teaching. These, and casual earnings, on Sundaymorning, and, good or bad, I completedit, and comprised many entries about ' Miss So-and-so's school,' fully meantto bringit with me to afternoonservice. and the number of lessons given at so much an hour. I may someday shew you what I wrote,but I think so Tben came the deduction for travelling expenses-three- littleof it that you will not be allowed even to touch the pence for a 'bus, or two shillings for a cab (being wet!), paperit is writtenupon. profit on music supplied, &c. Ever yours, Another entry referred to his journey to act as judge in JOHN Goss. an organ competition, when his profits were reduced by a Dr. J. F. BRIDGE. 'donation of IS. he gave to the blower. ' There were many

This content downloaded from 137.189.170.231 on Thu, 05 Nov 2015 01:21:39 UTC All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions 382 THE MUSICAL TIMES.- JUNEI, I90 t . other interesting items which the applicant read out, and was unbearable, and at last one gentleman said: 'Will having finished one book, he hunted out for the proper one you kindly step outside for a moment, Mr. Goss P ' to follow. This was too much for the Commissioners. ' Certainly, sir,' was the reply; and, after carefully ' Do you propose to read us the whole of the entries in gathering up his books and sorting them, Goss bowed, those books, Mr. Goss > > smiled, and retired. 'I propose to prove you have assessed me too highly,' In a few minutes he was re-admitted and informed that was the reply; and on he went with full particulars of the the Commissioners were quite satisfied and would not profits he derived from selecting a piano, which (being a troublehim to recldthe rest of his dgaries,neither would second-handone) were somewhat complicated I they raise the amount upon which he had formerly paid. The Commissioners looked blank, and the other appli- ^ Thank you, gentlemen,' was the courteous rejoinder, and cants outside were furious at being kept. The situation Goss retired triumphant. Moral-always keep a diary.

THE SERJEANT'S WIFE.

La Pantalon, or The new Figure by Mrs. Wells, as danced at the Theatre Royal English Opera House.

No. I.

i- '<-t-=-'i-t6'-;-'^It:-l t ___" J D.C. nill be Demie queue du - u I I Chat & demie Chaine Anglaise. < tr-v-C1-Cl I C- -2>' f C11 ; r--el-v; ii 2 r |

All eight commence with half set to Partners and cross with right hands. Repeat the same till half round t16 Bars) Half Promenade and turn Partners forming two lines facing your Partners (8 Bars) 1st and 3rd Couples advance and retire twice. Cross over giving right hands. Back with the left (lfi Bars), All eight move to right and left (1st Lady facing 2nd Gent.: 1st Gent. facing 2nd Lady &c) and turn with both hands (S Bars)2nd and 4th Cotlples advance and retire twice. Cross over giving right hands. Back with the left (16 Bars). A]1eight move round in a circle to the right and form line joining hands (the Ladies hands under the Gents. hands over) (8 Bars). All eight move to the right and left with hands join'd (8 Bars) retire and performthe honours.

THE SERJEANT S WIFE QUADRILLES (FIRST FIGURE). COMPOSED IN I827, BY JOHN GOSS.

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CONSECUTIVE FIFTHS. with a paint-brush instead sf a pen, would Like all great musicians,Goss had no fancy have revelled in violent contrasts and in the for pedantic discussions of the consecutive- grotesque; in pedantries and conventional fifth-huntingorder. Here is a letter to a clevertricks stands out the manwho is anxious professionalfriend in reply to some criticisms to be thought learned,and values artiEcemore passed on his anthem ' The Wilderness':- than art. A carefulstudy and familiarknow- ledge of the sacredcompositions of Goss leaves Brighton,28 July, I87 I . a very dennite feeling that their author was Many thanks for your kind letter. Be assuredthat I a man of refined thought, religious in life, value much both your criticism and your judicious and possessinga keen appreciationof the resources careful correctionsof the proofs of the ' Wilderness.' of his art temperedby a Ermresolution to use Doctors however will not always agree. I confess to them only in a legitimate manner. There is feeling no objectionwhatever to such consecutivesas you that gentleness and repose about them which so obliginglyquote, between tbe closing chord of my last Chorusand the Amen-by way of Coda. The pause in eminentlycharacterised the man himself. His the former so deadens the sense of progression,that I dispositionwas tenderand sweet; an unkindness would rather alter Ilothing. Between ourselvesI confess or roughword did not rouse, it wouadedhim. thoughthat I am sorry I ever appendedan Amen to the He treated all others with considerationand Chorus. It would musicallybe betterwithout one. goodness,and seemed hurt when he hadoccasion Let me now reply to your severalcomments. to realise the fact that others did not always At page 8 in the ChoralRecit. you drawmy attentionto treat him in the sameway. He loved quietness, the octaves G A which I did not objectto, as I considered and valued the aXectionof others.' th¢ G to descend to the following F and be a sufficient Grateful acknowledgmentis made to the escape; however, I shall please you by putting an F in followingfor their kind help in preparingthis the treble; let the A remainfor those who still fancy they biographicalsketch of Sir John Goss:- find a consecutive(which I do not); and I will carryon a Mrs.Sampson (his eldestdaughter), Sir FrederickBridge, C in the bass clef to satisfy you still further(?). Mr. John S. Bumpus (for much valued assistance),Mr. I own I am prettyfree in my treatmentof the termoctaves. BurnhamHorner, Mr. C. T. Johnson,Mr. CharlesLockey, Mr. F. W. Renaut, Secretaryof the Royal Academy of To please my eye, at one time I write in the octaves in Music,Mr, Eugene Spinney, Organist of FarehamChurch, notes, at another I indicate that they may be or must be and Mr. T. Lea Southgate. continued by the sign 8ve I know of course that the F.G. E. hands cannot at times reach all the notes)and I expect that the pedals as a rule are used. I do not however mark the word ' pedals' in general-and I scarcelywish MUSIC IN TH:E ROYAL ACADEMY anyoneto be at the Organwhen my music is going on, if EXHIBITION. he is unableto followmy meaning.... I am reallymuch obliged to you, and especiallyre the consecutives,which A }tOUGH analysis of the various pictures in candidlyI had left as explainable. the present exhibitionof the iEtoyalAcademy Yoursvery truly, which bear upon the kindred art of music JOHNGoss. indicates that the favourite instrument of painters is the lyre, their favourite musician Through the kindnessof Mrs. Sampson(our Orpheus. This is, perhaps, natural enough, composer'seldest daughter),we are enabled to for in early days there was a closer connection give the first Egure of her father's ' Serjeants between the different manifestationsof the Wife Quadrilles,'which will serve to illustrate artistic faculty; the musicianwas not satisEed the lighter side of his musicianship,and at the that his instrumentshould be well-sounding,it same time furnish fresh proof of his gift of must also be well-looking. But as art pro- melody in simple dance tunes. gressedthere came the tendency to specialise: instrumentsas they improvedin tone became PERSONALITY. less decorativein appearance7and the cottage In conclusion, no better estimate of the pianoforte,adorned like a cheerful coffin,but personality of John Goss could be furnishedwith a tone that wouldhave terriISedthe players than that written by his distinguishedsuccessor on the beautifully decorated clavichords of at St. Paul's, and which formed part of the olden times, is the last outcome of civilization. excellent obituary notice the late Sir John Nay, not the very last, for it must in fairness Stainer contributedto these columns in the be addedthat there has beenawakening of late; issue of June I880. not only have millionairescommissioned Royal ' That Goss was a man of religiouslife was Academiciansto design and adorn their grand patent to all who came in contact with him pianofortes,but manufacturersare providing but an appealto the generaleXect of his sacred instruments that will harmonize with their compositionsoffers public proofof the fact. It surroundings,whether they be Louis XV., or is not less true in music than in otherarts, that Chippendale,or the unrestrainedand irrespon- the artistwrites his characterin his works. In sible effortsof the 4 Arts and Crafts' school. uncouthmodulations and combinationscan be In attemptinga sketchyreview of the musical traced the man who wishes to be thought subjects treated in the pictures now at original; in over-wroughttone-colouring the Burlington House, it may be convenient if bad taste of a man who, had he been trusted they are sortedin a rough series of periods.

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