Thayer, Arthur Wilder

1857-1897

Conductor and composer of vocal music; born at Dedham, Mass. He received his instruction in singing from C. R. Adams and Dr. C. A. Guilmette, learned counterpoint, harmony and instrumentation from G. W. Chadwick, and conducting from Zerrahn. From 1882 to 1885 he superintended the music in the public schools of Dedham, and for the three years following in Milton. From there he went to Newton as director of music at Eliot Church. He has conducted choral societies at Allston, Lowell, Providence, Salem, Worcester and other New England towns, and he also directed the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Dedham. In 1881 he was a member of the Boston Apollo Club, and in 1889 of the Harvard Musical Association. He has written a great many attractive songs, among them being Christmas Service and Easter Service for children's voices; Church Service; a Celebration Ode for mixed chorus and organ; Maying; The Quiet Moon Upon the Clouds; Thou Art My Dream; Muleteer's Song; Rosalind's Madrigal; Credo; Minstrel; Sunset Song; and Wicked Nephew, partsongs for men's voices; Summer; Flowers for Sleep; and What Her Face Says.