The British Musical Biography

[E] Old, John, composer and conductor, born
at Totness, South Devon, May 28, 1827.
Descended from an ancient family that occu-
pied Rowton Hall for more than four centuries.
He studied first under John and Edwin Loder,
1842; then at R.A.M. under Bennett and
Goss ; and later with Thalberg and Molique.
Resident for some time at Torquay as teacher
and conductor of a choral society. He after-
wards settled at Reading, founding the Lay-
ston College of jMusic. He composed a sacred
drama, " The Seventh Seal " ; an opera,
" Heme the Hunter," performed in Reading
Town Hall, December 14, 1887 ; and an over-
ture, " Tenth of March " (on the marriage of
the Prince of Wales). He also wrote a number
of pieces for pf. : Etude de Concert; Reveries;
Impromptus, etc.; Part-songs; Songs: I have
a home in fairyland ; Meet me at morn ; My
native vale, etc. He died at Reading, Feb-
ruary 4, 1892 ; and at his request a copy of
his opera. Heme the Hunter, and two other
compositions, were buried with him.

entry id: 302-L-46