The British Musical Biography

[E] Battishill, Jonathan, coniposer and or-
ganist, was born in London in May, 1738.
Son of Jonathan Battishill, solicitor, and
Mary Leverton, his wife. He became a chor-
ister in St. Paul's Cathedral under W. Savage,
1748. He became deputy organist, under
Boyce, of the Chapel Royal. Conductor and
accompanist at Covent Garden Theatre. Mar-
ried to Miss Davies (the original "Madge" in
"Love in a Village"), 1763. Organist of
united parishes of S. Clement, Eastcheap and
S. Martin, Orgar, 1764. Organist of Christ
Church, Newgate Street, 1767. Resigned post
at Covent Garden. Devoted himself to teach-
ing and composition. Presented with gold
medal by the Nobleman's Catch-club, 1771.
On the death of his wife in 1777, he lost taste
for music and became addicted to drink. He
died at Islington, December 10, 1801, and was
buried in St. Paul's Cathedral.

[W] Works. — Almena, an opera (with M. Arne),
Drury Lane, 1764 : The Rites of Hecate, a
musical entertainment, 1764. Anthems : Be-
hold, how good and joyful ; Call to remem-
brance : I will magnify Thee, God ; Lord,
look down from heaven ; Six anthems and
ten chants, edited by Page, 1804 (with memoir
bj' Dr. Busby, and portrait) ; Twelve hymns,
the words by the Rev. Charles Wesley ....
London [1765] . Glees : Amidst the myrtles ;
Again my mournful sighs ; Here rests his head
[1805] ; Kate, of Aberdeen ; Come, bind my
hair. A collection of songs for three and four
voices, London [1783] 2 books ; Collection of
catches. Songs : Collection of favourite songs
sung at the publick gardens and theatres
[1761] ; At eve with the woodlark I rest ;
Charms of Silvia ; Gay Damon ; Kind request ;
Shepherd and shepherdess ; The Wish. Select
pieces for the organ or pianoforte, contain-
ing an overture and nine pieces selected from
original MSS. by John Page. London [1805] .

entry id: 35-L-61