Aldrich, Henry Lord

1647-1710

Dean of Christ Church, Oxford. He was a learned theologian and historian and also an architect and musician. Wrote sacred music-services and anthems that are still used, also glees and catches, which were in great favor at that time. He composed a Catch on Tobacco, which is so arranged that each singer has time for his puff. He wrote largely and learnedly on musical subjects, among his most important works being, On the Commencement of Greek Music, Theory of Organ-Building, and Theory of Modern Instruments. He collected a very large musical library, especially strong in the works of the Italian composers, notably Palestrina and Carissimi.