John Garth (composer)

John Garth (* 1721 in Harperley, ( County Durham ), † March 29, 1810 in Darlington ) was an English composer.

Life

Little is known about John Garth's early life. On June 23, 1742 Garth was at a Masonic lodge.

In September 1745 August 1746 he promoted concerts in Stockton -on-Tees. From 1746 on he lived in Durham. There he organized a week, alternating with his friend Charles Avison and 1772 a series of concerts. Tickets for this he sold in his house. He gave music lessons with leading families of the region and organ concerts. In 1794 he married in Darlington Nancy ( Nanny ) Wrightson ( 1749/50-1829 ). He died on 29 March 1810 in his home ( Cockerton Hall ) and was buried on April 5 in St. Cuthberth Church in Darlington.

Works

Garth's name was known primarily for his eight-volume edition ( with English text ) of the work The First Fifty Psalms Set to Music by Benedetto Marcello ( 1757-65; details here). Garth has composed a series of cello concerts.

• 6 Concerti, op 1, for Violoncelloe, Strings and Continuo (London, 1760)
• 6 Sonatas, Op 2, for harpsichord, piano or organ, 2 violins and violoncello (London, 1768 )
• 6 Voluntarys, op 3, for organ, piano or harpsichord (London, 1771)
• 6 Sonatas à 7, op 4, for harpsichord, piano or organ, 2 violins and violoncello (London, 1768, 1775, 1778 and 1782 ).

Discography

• Cello Concertos 1-6. Cello: Richard Tunnicliffe. Avison Ensemble. Label 'Divine '.
• Cello Concerto No. 2 label ' helios '. Cello: Alexander Baillie. European Union Chamber Orchestra
• Sonatas for Keyboard & B.C. op.2 No.1- 6 and op.4 No.1- 6, Gary Cooper and "The Avison Ensemble " (2008)