Stainer, Sir John

1840-1901

 

Eminent English composer and organist; born in London; the son of a school-teacher. Was a chorister at St. Paul's from 1847 to 1856, where he studied harmony with Bayley, counterpoint with Steggall, and later organ with Cooper. From 1854 to 1860 he held three posts as organist, then was appointed University organist at Oxford, graduating from that institution with' the degree of Bachelor of Music in 1859, and  Doctor of Music in 1865. The following year he was appointed examiner for musical degrees, and from 1872 to 1888 was successor to Sir John Goss as organist at St. Paul's, resigning on account of failing eyesight. He was knighted in 1888, and the next year was appointed professor of music at Oxford, n 1876 he was appointed professor of organ and harmony at the National Training School, becoming principal in 1881, and after its reconstruction as the Royal College of Music in ISSS again professor. In 1882 he was appointed government inspector of music in training schools. Stainer received many honors and distinctions. He was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the French government in 1878, and in 1888 was knighted by the Queen. He wrote the oratorio, Gideon; the cantatas, The Daughter of Jairus, and The Crucifixion; was the author of various primers  on the organ, harmony and composition, and edited with W. A. Barrett a dictionary of musical terms.