The British Musical Biography

[E] Barrett, William Alexander, writer,
vocalist, and organist, born at Hackney, Lou-
don, October 15, 1836, son of an architect.
Chorister at St. Paul's Cathedral, 1846-49,
and pupil of George Cooper, W. Bayley (one
of the lay-vicars), and John Goss, for com-
position. First sang in public at a concert
given by J. B. Stansell, at St. Philip's Schools,
Stepney, November, 1847. When his voice
changed he took to drawing on wood, and in
1854. illustrated Holt's "Chronicle of the
Crimean War," and an edition of Shakes-
peare. From 1855 to '57 he was engaged in
journalistic work on the Morning Chronicle,
book reviewing; and translating stories and
poems for different publishers. Appointed
principal alto at St. Andrew's, Wells Street,
in 1858; and in 1861, lay-vicar, Magdalen Col-
lege, Oxford. He was also organist at St.
John's, Cowley, Oxford, 1863-66. Sub-editor
and illustrator of the Penni/ Post, Oxford,
1861-67. Graduated Mus. b', Oxford, 1871.
Apijointed assistant vicar choral, St. Paul's
Cathedral, 1867; vicar choral, 1876. He wrote
his first musical criticisms while at Oxford,
which appeared in the Oxford Times, 1864-66.
On his return to London he was offered the
post of musical critic on the Morniiig Post
(1869), which he retained till his death. He
also wrote for the Whitehall Review and the
Globe (1874-75). W'as editor of the Monthly
Musical Record (1877) ; the Orchestra (1881);
and the Musical Times from 1887. Other ap-
pointments were. Assistant Examiner in Mu-
sic with Dr. John Huljah, 1873; Examiner to
the Society of Arts, and to the Council of
Military Education, 1883. Mr. Barrett was
elected Fellow of the College of Organists,
1871; and Fellow of the Royal Society of
Literature ; Lecturer to the City of London
College and London Institution ; Mus. D.,
Trinity College, Toronto; and, in 1888, ap-
pointed by the Prince of Wales Grand Organ-
ist of the United Grand Lodge of Freemasons,
in succession to Sir Arthur Sullivan. It was
at Walworth, in 1856, that, with a discourse
on the " History of the Gipsies," he began his
career as a lecturer, his extensive knowledge
enabling him to deal with a great variety of
topics. Some of these lectures have been pub-
lished. In the midst of an active life he was
attacked by apoplexy, and to the great loss of
the world of music, died October 17, 1891.

[W] Works. — Oratorio, Christ before Pilate
(MS.); Anthems; Lladrigals : On a mossy
bank (eight voices. Bristol Madrigal Society,
1839). Cynthia. Literary: Flowers and fes-
tivals, or directions for the floral decorations
of churches, 1868 ; The Chorister's Guide
(1872?); Dictionary of musical terms (with
Dr. Stainer), 1875; Etymons of musical terms
(1876) ; English glee and madrigal writers,
London, 1877; Introduction to form and in-
strumentation for beginners in composition,
1879; English church composers ("Great
Musicians" series), London, Sampson Low,
1882 ; Balfe, his life and work, London, Rem-
ington, 1882; Editor of English folk songs;
Standard English songs (Novello), etc.

entry id: 31-L-51