On This Day 23 November 1765 Thomas Attwood was born
Attwood lived at "Woodbury" in Norbury Hill , close to Biggin Wood.
The son of a musician in the royal band, Attwood was born in London, probably in Pimlico. At the age of nine he became a chorister in the Chapel Royal, where he received training in music from James Nares and Edmund Ayrton. In 1783 he was sent to study abroad at the expense of the Prince of Wales (afterwards King George IV), who had been favourably impressed by his skill at the harpsichord
In 1796 he was chosen as the organist of St Paul's Cathedral, and in the same year he was made composer of the Chapel Royal. His court connection was further confirmed by his appointment as musical instructor to the Duchess of York, and afterwards to the Princess of Wales.
In addition to his commitments at St Paul's, at court, and in the theatre, Attwood also found time for private instrumental teaching of a relatively lowly nature. Stevens records that Attwood took over his pupils at Mrs Ray's school, Streatham, in 1800, and his private pupils in 1805. In his leisure hours he was active in the glee clubs, which provided opportunities for dining and sociable singing in the company of his fellow musicians. He was a member of the Harmonists' Society, where he was for many years Stevens's deputy as conductor, and of the Concentores Sodales.
(extracts from Philip Olleson)
The following is an extract from John Brown of the Society
"...the favourite pupil of Mozart and a famous organist of St Paul's. It was whilst driving from here (Woodbury) to London that he composed his well-known "Coronation Anthem". He composed many pieces and was an intimate friend of Mendelssohn"
Plaque in Cheyne Walk where he later lived and he is buried at St Paul's Cathedral in the crypt under the organ
Attwood lived at "Woodbury" in Norbury Hill , close to Biggin Wood.
The son of a musician in the royal band, Attwood was born in London, probably in Pimlico. At the age of nine he became a chorister in the Chapel Royal, where he received training in music from James Nares and Edmund Ayrton. In 1783 he was sent to study abroad at the expense of the Prince of Wales (afterwards King George IV), who had been favourably impressed by his skill at the harpsichord
In 1796 he was chosen as the organist of St Paul's Cathedral, and in the same year he was made composer of the Chapel Royal. His court connection was further confirmed by his appointment as musical instructor to the Duchess of York, and afterwards to the Princess of Wales.
In addition to his commitments at St Paul's, at court, and in the theatre, Attwood also found time for private instrumental teaching of a relatively lowly nature. Stevens records that Attwood took over his pupils at Mrs Ray's school, Streatham, in 1800, and his private pupils in 1805. In his leisure hours he was active in the glee clubs, which provided opportunities for dining and sociable singing in the company of his fellow musicians. He was a member of the Harmonists' Society, where he was for many years Stevens's deputy as conductor, and of the Concentores Sodales.
(extracts from Philip Olleson)
The following is an extract from John Brown of the Society
"...the favourite pupil of Mozart and a famous organist of St Paul's. It was whilst driving from here (Woodbury) to London that he composed his well-known "Coronation Anthem". He composed many pieces and was an intimate friend of Mendelssohn"
Plaque in Cheyne Walk where he later lived and he is buried at St Paul's Cathedral in the crypt under the organ
