Born: May 9, 1834 - Cranbourne, Dorsetshire, England
Died: December 26, 1916

The English composer and organist, Edward H. Thorne, received his musical education at St. George's Chapel, Windsor, where he was articled to Sir George Elvey.

In 1853 Edward Thorne was appointed to the Parish Church, Henley, and in 1863 to Chichester Cathedral, which appointment he resigned in 1870 in order to devote himself more closely to the more congenial work of teaching the pianoforte. He removed to London, and was successively organist at St. Patrick's, Brighton; St. Peter's, Cranley Gardens; St. Michael's, Cornhill; and St. Anne's, Soho, where from 1891 to the end of his career he maintained the fine traditions of the church in regard to J.S. Bach's music, directing the regular performances of the Christmas Oratorio (BWV 248) and St. John Passion (BWV 245), as well as other cantatas, and giving organ recitals entirely composed of the master's works. In 1913 the Archbishop ot Canterbury conferred him degree of Mus.D.

Edward Thorne's published works comprise several services, including a Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis for chorus, soli and orchestra, written for the Festival of the Sons of the Clergy; the 125^th Psalm; a festival march, toccata and fugue, funeral march, overture and six books of voluntaries for the organ; some pianoforte pieces; several songs and partsongs; the 47^th Psalm (for female voices), etc. An overture to Peveril of the Peak won a prize at the Promenade Concerts in 1885. His unpublished works include trios for piano, violin and violoncello; sonatas for the violoncello and the clarinet; the 57^th Psalm for tenor solo, chorus and orchestra; and many other compositions.

Source: Grove’s Dictionary of Music and Musicians (1952 Edition; Author: William Barclay Squire)
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (July 2007)

Bach-E. Thorne: Edward Thorne | Works | Recordings

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