William Crotch

1775-1847

Born: July 5, 1775, Norwich, England. Died: December 29, 1847, Taunton, Somerset, England.

Crotch’s musical gift showed itself early; at age two, he was playing the organ which his father built. Within a year, he was giving public recitals in London, and academics wrote papers about the young prodigy. He was playing violin and piano by age 7, and by 11 was assistant organist to John Randall at King’s College, Cambridge. He composed an oratorio by 14, and at 15 was the organist at Christ Church, Oxford; he received his doctoral degree at age 24. In 1822, he was one of the founders of the Royal Academy of Music. He had a distinguished career composing, teaching, and lecturing.

Music:

1. St. Michael