Smith, Alice Mary

(Mrs. Meadows White)

1839-1884

English composer, who was born in London, and became a pupil of Sterndale Bennett and of G. A. Macfarren. She composed a number of charming cantatas; overtures; symphonies; partsongs; and songs, all of which have been well received and attained to considerable popularity. In 1867 she was married to Frederick Meadows White, judge of the County of Middlesex. The same year Mrs. White was elected an associate of the Philharmonic Society. Her best known song, O, That We Two Were Maying, has been sung the world over. Among her works are the cantatas, Rudesheim, Ode to the Northeast Wind, Ode to the Passions; Song of the Little Baltung, and The Red King, both to words of Charles Kingsley; a symphony in C minor; overtures to Endymion, Lalla Rookh, and Masque of Pandora; two intermezzos; piano and string quartets; a clarinet concerto; and many duets, and songs. Her numerous compositions are all meritorious, clear in form and free from all eccentricity.