The British Musical Biography

[E] Spinney — a family of musicians. Thomas
Edward Spinney, organist and composer,
born, June 24, 1824, was a pupil of Sir Henry
Bishop. Was for many years organist of
Wilton Parish Church, and is now organist
and choirmaster of St. Edmund's, Salisbury,
and conductor of the Salisbury Orpheus
Society. A successful teacher ; he was some
time musical tutor to H.R.H. the late Duke
of Albany. He has composed a cantata,
Village Belles ; Church music, and songs ;
" The Organist's Assistant " ; nine new organ
Voluntaries ; three Musical Sketches (two
sets) ; Novelette ; Melodies Gracieuses, and
other pieces for pf., etc. Mattie Spinney
(Mrs. Beesley), daughter of the above, studied
under Benedict, and Sterndale Bennett, and
later with Hans von Biilow. Held an organ
a2)pointment at St. Paul's, Salisbury, and was
afterwards for a time organist of the Parish
Church, Banbury. She made her debiot as a
pianist at a concert of the New Philharmanic
Society, London, May 8, 1875, taking part,
witli Dr. von Biilow, in Bach's Concerto in C
minor, for two pianos and orchestra. In
1876, she appeared at the Crystal Palace
Concerts (November 25) ; and has since then
given many performances at which she has
been assisted by her pupils. Eugene Spin-
ney, the eldest son, was born in 18i5. When
seventeen he was appointed organist of ]}an-
bury Parish Church (18G2), and in 1865,
graduated Mus. Bac, Oxford. He gave good
concerts, and improved the church choir;
but his artistic career was short, as he was
removed by death, December 4, 1867, at the
early age of twenty-two. A stained glass
window was placed in the Parish Church as a
tribute of affection from pupils and friends.
Frank Spinney, brother of the preceding,
was born March 20, 1S50. He was articled to
the Rev. Dr. Hayne, Oxford, and became
P R.('.0. His first organ appointment was to
St. Denys, Warminster, 1869; from there he
went to All Saints', Emscote, Warwick, 1873 ;
and in 1878 was appointed to Leamington
Parish Church. The present organ and organ
gallery were built during his period of office,
and largely the result of his exertions. From
1882 a number of excellent orchestral, choral,
and chamber concerts were given by the
Leamington Musical Society, under his direc-
tion ; and he gave frequent organ recitals,
being a fine executant. He worked with
groat zeal for the cause of the best in musical
art, but overtaxed his strength ; his death
taking place, June 5, 1888. He wrote a
number of hymn-tunes, an anthem for har-
vest, and some organ music. His memory is
perpetuated by a stained glass window in the
vestry of Leamington Parish Church. Walter
Spinney, the next brother, was born March
26, 1852. He was articled to J. E. Richard-
son, the cathedral organist, whose assistant
he afterwards became. Then followed ajDpoint-
ments to St. Edmund's, Salisbury ; Dudley
Parish Church ; Christ Church, Doucaster ;
and finally, in 1888, on the death of his
brother Frank, to Leamington Parish Church.
In this town belaboured as performer, teacher,
composer, and editor, until his death, June
21, 1891. He composed some church services,
a number of anthems, and other vocal works ;
edited the " Organ library " ; and the " Vesper
bell " series of organ pieces, his own contribu-
tions to which enjoy wide popularity. Rev.
T. Herbert Spinney, youngest of the four
brothers, was born January 13, 1857. Studied
under Drs. G. B. Arnold, and J. F. Bridge.
Harmony Prizeman, Trinity College, London,
1876. F.R.C.O. From the age of sixteen
was organist at Salisbury ; later, organist,
and assistant chaplin, Exeter College, Oxford,
having been ordained Deacon in 1881, and
Priest, 1882, by the Bishop of Oxford. M.A.,
Oxford, 1884. Curate of South Hinksey,
Berks., 1881-2; of Wallasey, Cheshire, 1883-5 ;
vicar of Newborough, Burton-on-Trent, to
present time. Composer of Christ the first
fruits : Now thank we all our God, and other
anthems ; Church services : Christmas carols
(three series) ; six hymns for a flower service ;
organ pieces, etc., etc. He was formerly
known as an able pianist, and still gives
occasional organ recitals.

entry id: 386-R-42