William Thomas Best

Full biography William Thomas Best

Composer William Thomas Best (1826-1897) was a British organist and conductor, regarded as one of the most prominent organists of the Victorian era. He was born in the town of Carlisle, England and was the son of William Thomas Best Sr., a music teacher and choir director. Best began his career as a choirboy at Carlisle Cathedral and later studied music in London where he gained further recognition as a talented organist.

Best performed in concerts throughout England and was also appointed as the principal organist at several prestigious churches including St. George's Hall in Liverpool, St. John's Church in Leeds, and Westminster Abbey in London. He was highly regarded for his virtuosic performances on the organ, which often included his own arrangements and compositions.

Aside from his performances, Best was also a prolific composer, writing over two hundred works for organ, as well as choral and orchestral pieces. Some of his notable compositions include "Temple Melodies," a collection of hymn tunes, "Organ Sonatas," and "Meditations," a series of reflective pieces for organ.

Best was also recognized for his skills as a teacher and served as a professor of music at the Royal Academy of Music. In addition, he wrote instructional books on music theory and organ technique, which are still used today by aspiring organists.

Overall, William Thomas Best was a highly respected figure in the world of music during the Victorian era, thanks to his skills as a performer, composer, and educator. His contributions to the field of organ music and his work in teaching and mentoring future generations of musicians have cemented his legacy in music history.