Westbrook, William Joseph

1831-1894

Esteemed English organist, conductor, teacher and composer. He was born in London; died at Sydenham; for nearly forty years was organist at St. Bartholomew's, Sydenham. Under a blind organist named Temple he studied the organ; in 1848 became organist at St. Bartholomew's. Bethnal Green, and took the post at Sydenham in 1851. From Cambridge University he received the degrees of Bachelor of Music and Doctor o Music; for many years was examiner in music in connection with the College of Preceptors and the London College of Music for thirteen years was conductor of the South Norwood Musical Society. He made numerous arrangements for the organ and wrote text-books for this instrument; was author of many organ-pieces; services; anthems; the oratorio, Jesus; the cantata, The Lord is My Shepherd; composed songs, madrigals and other work.