The British Musical Biography

[E] Reay, Samuel, organist and composer,
born at Hexham, March 17, 1822. Son of
George Agnew Reay, oi-ganist of Hexham
Abbey Church. Showed early aptitude for
music, and when eight years of age, his
father having removed to Ryton-on-Tyne, he
was admitted a chorister at Durham Cathe-
dral. Studied under W. Henshaw, the Cathe-
dral organist, and received valuable instruction
from the Rev. Peter Penson, then precenter.
On leaving Durham, he was placed under
James Stimpson, organist of St. Andrew's,
Newcastle, whom he succeeded in 1841, after
holding a[ipointments at North Shields and
Houghton-le-Spring. In 1845, he became
organist of St Thomas', Barras Bridge, New-
castle ; St. Peter's, Tiverton, 1847 ; while
tiiere, giving lectures on the History of Keyed
Instruments. Appointed to St. John's,
Hampstead, 1854 ; St. Saviour's, Warwick
Road, 1856 ; St. Stephen's, Paddington ; and,
in 1859, succeeding Dr. E. G. Mouk as organist
and precentor of St. Peter's College, Radley . In
1861, he was appointed to the Parish Church,
Bury, Lancashire, famous for its choir; and
in 1864, succeeded Dr. Dearie in the ancient
and important office of Song Schoolmaster of
the Parish Church, Newark, which he still
retains. Graduated Mus. Bac, Oxford, 1871.
Has given organ recitals at the Bow and
Bromley Institute, at the Royal Albert Hall,
and at other places. On October 27, 1879, he
produced, at the Institute just named, Bach's
"Coffee" and "Peasant" cantatas, for the
first time in England ; the English text j)i^e-
pared by himself and Mrs. Newton. In 1891,
he was invited to take part in the inaugura-
tion of the new organ in Newcastle Cathedral.
He is conductor of the Newark Philharmonic
Society.

[W] Works. — Psalm 102, for solo, chorus, and
strings ; Morning, Evening, and Communion
Service in F. Anthems: I will go to the
Altar; O Lord, why sleepest Thou? sing
unto the Lord ; Rejoice in the Lord ; and
others. Hymn tunes contributed to the
Hymnary, Bristol Tune Book, and other
collections ; chants, etc. Joint editor, with
Drs. Gauntlett and Bridge, of Dobson's
Tunes New and Old. Part-songs : As it fell
upon a day ; Fairest daughter of the day,
composed for the Jubilee of the Bristol
Madrigal Society, 1887 ; Dawn of Day ; Here
let's join in harmony ; Huntsman, rest ;
English hunting song; I lov'd a lass ; In an
arbour green ; Sweet is the breath of early
morn ; The clouds that wrajD the setting sun ;
and many others, all of which have been
extensively popular. Edited and arranged
Songs and Ballads of Northern England
(collect d bv John Stoke), London, Scott,
1892.

entry id: 337-L-63