Reginald Spofforth

Reginald Spofforth (1769 (baptised 12 September) - 8 September 1827) was an English musician. He was born in Southwell, Nottinghamshire but moved to London around 1790. He was active as an organist, conductor and music teacher, but he is best remembered as a composer. His best known works are the glees "Hail Smiling Morn" (which has been described as having been "possibly the most popular glee in the entire repertory" [cite encyclopedia | last = Temperley | first = Nicholas | encyclopedia = Grove Dictionary of Music | title = Spofforth, Reginald | publisher = Oxford University Press] ) and"Hark! the Lark at Heaven's Gate Sings", which are included in a number of recent collections of part-songs.

He composed about 75 glees, also three books of nursery rhyme settings and many songs and duets, including songs for various stage performances at Covent Garden in the 1790s. He is thought not to have composed any instrumental or sacred music.

His brother Samuel was cathedral organist at Peterborough and Lichfield, and composed chants and cathedral music.

References

External links

* [http://www.cpdl.org/wiki/index.php/Reginald_Spofforth Entry in ChoralWiki] with link to the score of "Hail smiling morn"
* [http://s115527863.onlinehome.us/GASilvis/ Page with a link to a midi file of "Hail Smiling Morn"]
* [http://www.georgetownhistoricalsociety.com/GtGen/johnspoffordreginald.html A 19th century biography of Spofforth]
*cite encyclopedia
last = Temperley
first = Nicholas
encyclopedia = Grove Dictionary of Music
title = Spofforth, Reginald
url = http://www.grovemusic.com
accessdate = 2007-11-15
publisher = Oxford University Press