The British Musical Biography

[E] Spark, William, organist and composer,
the most prominent member of a family of
musicians, was born at Exeter, October 28,
1823. Chorister at Exeter Cathedral, and
articled pupil of Dr. S. S. Wesley. Organist
of St. Lawrence's, Exeter, 1840. Removing
to Leeds with Dr. Wesley, in 1842, he became
deputy-organist at Leeds Parish Church, and
organist at Chapeltown and St. Paul's, Leeds,
successively. Afterwards he was appointed
to Tiverton Parish Church, and Daventry,
returning to Leeds, 1850, as organist to St.
George's, an appointment he held for thirty
years. Founded the Leeds Madrigal Society,
1851 ; and, later, the People's Concerts. Was
associated with Henry Smart in designing
the organ in the Leeds Town Hall ; and, in
1860, was elected organist. Played his organ
sonata at the Leeds Festival, 1858 ; and solos
in 1874-7 ; and gave two afternoon recitals
during the Festival of 1880. Has given organ
recitals in many parts of the country, and
has lectured on various musical topics.
Contributed many articles to the Yorkshire
Post, 1883, and the musical press. He grad-
uated Mus. Doc, Dublin. 1861. Died at
Leeds, June 16, 1897.

[W] Works. — Oratorio, Immanuel, Leeds, May
17, 1887 ; cantata, Trust and Triumph,
Dublin, 1861 ; Ode to Labour ; The Birthday
Festival. Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in
D ; All we like sheep ; God, have mercy ;
Christ being raised from the dead ; Lord
our Governour ; and other anthems. Church
music, various. Glees, songs, etc. Grand
Sonata, op. 21. Ten original compositions.
Patriotic March, composed for the visit of the
Duke and Duchess of York to Leeds, 1894.
Various organ pieces. Author of Lecture
on Church Music, 1851 ; Choirs and Organs,
1852 ; A few words to Musical Conductors,
1853 ; Memoir of Dr. S. S. Wesley ; Musical
Tour in North Germany, 1871 ; Handy Book
of Choral Singing Henry Smart, his life
and works, London, Reeves, 1881 ; Musical
Memories, 1888 ; Musical Reminisences, 1892,
both published by Reeves. Editor of the
Organist's Quarterly Journal, commenced in
1869, and still in progress ; The Practical
Choirmaster, twelve parts, contributing or-
iginal compositions to each work ; Sacred
Harmony, selected and arranged ; Batiste's
organ compositions, adapted to English
instruments, etc.

[+] His father, William Spark, born in 1797,
was a chorister and lay vicar, connected with
Exeter Cathedral for nearly 60 years. He
was a good musician, and had sung with
Catalani. He died at Exeter, September (?),
1865, at the age of 68. Edward J. Spark,
the second son, was born at Exeter, August 7,
1829. He was organist of St. Lawrence's,
Exeter, and after holding other appointments,
became, in 1852, organist of Bury Parish
Church. He then entered the railway ser-
vice, and eventually settled at Worcester,
where, in 1870, he established a music busi-
ness. He was organist of Holy Trinity
Church, Worcester, for 15 years, and resumed
the appointment in 1888, after officiating for
some time at St. Martin's Church. Conductor
for many years of the Worcester Amateur Vocal
Union. He has given many concerts, and done
much for music in Worcester. Frederick
R. Spark, the youngest of the three brothers,
is settled in business in Leeds. He is the
proprietor of the Leeds Express ; has been
hon. secretary of the Leeds Festival from
1877 ; and, in conjunction with Joseph
Bennett, wrote a "History of the Leeds
Musical Festivals, 1858-1889." Leeds: F. R.
Spark and Son, 1892.

entry id: 385-R-7