Short bio William Crotch
Full biography William Crotch
William Crotch (1775-1847) was an English composer and organist. He was born in Norwich, Norfolk, to a master carpenter. At the age of seven, he was a choirboy at Norwich Cathedral and showed a remarkable musical talent. By the age of nine, he had already composed a four-part anthem. He later studied with Thomas Attwood in London and became a professor of music at Oxford University in 1797, where he also served as the first principal of the Royal Academy of Music.
Crotch was a prolific composer who wrote music in a variety of genres. His output includes symphonies, overtures, concertos, chamber music, church music, and songs. His style combines classical and romantic elements, reflecting the changing musical tastes of the time.
One of Crotch's most famous compositions is the hymn tune "All Saints," which is commonly used for the hymn "Ye Holy Angels Bright." Another famous work is his oratorio "Palestine," which was a popular piece during his lifetime. He also wrote a number of instructional books on music theory and composition, including "Elements of Musical Composition" and "Practical Harmony."
Crotch was highly respected in his day and counted among his admirers many famous musicians, including Charles Burney and Johann Nepomuk Hummel. He is often remembered as a pioneer in music education, having founded the first music school in Oxford and played a key role in establishing the Royal Academy of Music. His legacy continues to influence music education and composition to this day.
Compositions featuring William Crotch
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 73, "Quam bonus Israel!" Verses 1-21, for organ & choir (from St. Paul's Psalter) | Choral | - | |
| 2 | The Lord, even the most mighty God, for chorus | 10:12 min | Choral | - |
| 3 | Symphony in F | 20:16 min | Symphony | - |
| 4 | Symphony in E flat | 16:16 min | Symphony | - |
| 5 | Psalm 132, for chorus | 4:28 min | Choral | - |
| 6 | Psalm 124, for chorus | 2:00 min | Choral | - |
| 7 | Psalm 123: Unto Thee Lift I up Mine Eyes, for chorus & organ | 2:20 min | Choral | - |
| 8 | Psalm 104: Praise the Lord, O my soul, for chorus | 7:59 min | Choral | - |
| 9 | Psalm 95 "Venite, exultemus" (from St. Paul Psalter) | 3:29 min | Choral | - |
| 10 | Psalm 92 "Bonum Est Confiteri," for chorus | 4:36 min | Choral | - |
| 11 | Psalm 78: Hear My Law, O My People | - | ||
| 12 | Blessed Is He That Considereth the Poor and Needy | 3:56 min | Choral | - |
| 13 | Psalm 47, for chorus | 2:51 min | Choral | - |
| 14 | Psalm 16, for chorus & organ | 3:39 min | Choral | - |
| 15 | Psalm 8, for chorus & organ | 2:41 min | Choral | - |
| 16 | Palestine, oratorio | Choral | - | |
| 17 | Overture in G | 4:39 min | Orchestral | - |
| 18 | Lo! star-led chiefs | 4:32 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
| 19 | How Dear Are Thy Counsels, anthem | 2:35 min | Choral | - |
| 20 | Harpsichord Sonata No. 3 in E flat major | Keyboard | - | |
| 21 | Concerto for organ in A | 19:49 min | Concerto | - |
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