Bartholomew, Mrs. Ann Shepard (Mounsey)

1811-1891

An English composer, organist and pianist. Born in London and studied there under J. B. Logier. Attracted the attention of the musician Spohr, when he visited London and is mentioned in his autobiography. After 1828 she was organist at several London churches, at the last of which, St. Vedast's, Foster Lane, she remained nearly fifty years. In 1834 she became an associate of the Philharmonic Society and in 1839 a member of the Royal Society of Musicians. From 1843 until 1848 she gave a series of classical sacred concerts, at one of which, Mendelssohn's Hear My Prayer, was given for the first time. In 1853, Miss Mounsey was married to William Bartholomew, a musical writer and critic, well known by his adaptations of Mendelssohn's works. After her marriage Mrs. Bartholomew was in London, teaching the organ, piano and harmony, and engaged in composition. Her works are an oratorio, The Nativity; a sacred cantata, Supplication and Thanksgiving; Sacred Harmony, consisting of a large number of sacred compositions and hymns; also many part-songs and songs and pieces for the organ and piano.