Stephens, Charles Edward

1821-1892

English composer, pianist and teacher; born in London. He studied under C. Potter, J. A. Hamilton and Henry Blagrove, and was successively organist of a number of London churches. Stephens was first an associate, then a member, of the Philharmonic Society, a member of the musical association and held many other offices. He played the second violin in his quartets and occasionally played in public as a pianist, but was chiefly occupied in teaching, and as such was highly esteemed. He composed numerous pieces for the piano; a symphony for orchestra; concertoverture, A Dream of Happiness; complete services for the church; partsongs; glees, and songs and was the author of the enlarged and improved choir chant book of Bemrose's with five hundred and thirteen chants, with biographical notices of composers, which was brought out in London in 1882.