Jonathan Battishill English composer, organist and concert tenor Date of Birth: 05.1738Год Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Jonathan Battishill
2. Early Life and Musical Education
3. Concert Career and Compositions
4. Membership and Recognition
5. Organist and Vocalist
6. Personal Life
7. Legacy and Death

Biography of Jonathan Battishill

Jonathan Battishill was an English composer, organist, and concert tenor. He began his career as a composer but later became passionate about playing the organ and started writing music for the English church. Today, Jonathan is rightfully considered one of the most outstanding English church composers of the 18th century. His extensive repertoire includes the memorable seven-part hymn 'Call to Remembrance', which was performed by numerous cathedral choirs.

Early Life and Musical Education

Battishill was born in London and at the age of 9, he joined the choir of St. Paul's Cathedral. As his voice began to change due to adolescence, Jonathan devoted his time to studying the organ, composition, and vocal techniques. He received vocal training from William Savage, a renowned vocal master. Quickly proving himself as a highly talented organist, Battishill's improvisations caught the attention of interested individuals. He soon became the deputy of William Boyce at the Chapel Royal.

Concert Career and Compositions

In the mid-1750s, Jonathan started performing solo tenor roles in London concerts. One of his first performances took place on March 16, 1756, during the production of Handel's 'Alexander's Feast' on Dean Street. In the same year, Battishill became a conductor and harpsichordist at Covent Garden Theatre, where he composed a number of successful songs and choral parts for plays and pantomimes.

Membership and Recognition

In 1758, Jonathan became a member of the Madrigal Society, and in 1761, he was accepted into the Royal Society of Musicians. A year later, Battishill became a privileged member of the 'Catch' club, a gentlemen's club. Although he was excluded from the club twice for not attending meetings, his relationship with the club remained good overall. In 1771, he received a gold medal from the club for his song 'Come bind my hair, ye wood nymphs'.

Organist and Vocalist

In 1764, Battishill became the organist of St. Clement Eastcheap Church, which had recently merged with St. Martin Orgar Church. Three years later, he also became the organist at Christ Church, Newgate Street. He held both positions until his death.

Jonathan occasionally gave organ concerts, and his interpretations of Handel's works were particularly popular with the audience. It is also known that he sometimes performed as a vocalist in concerts. One of his most memorable concerts included excerpts from Samuel Arnold's oratorio 'The Prodigal Son', where Battishill played from memory without the aid of sheet music.

Personal Life

During his time at Covent Garden, Battishill met actress and singer Elizabeth Davies. They were married on December 19, 1765. Unfortunately, the marriage was not successful, as Elizabeth openly had an affair with actor Anthony Webster. Jonathan then found a new passion in a woman named Anne, with whom he is believed to have lived from 1775 until his death. However, this romance did not help Battishill recover from the separation with Elizabeth. He began drinking excessively and practically stopped composing music.

Legacy and Death

Jonathan Battishill passed away on December 10, 1801. Despite his personal struggles, his contributions to English church music and his skill as an organist continue to be recognized and appreciated.