Born: December 17, 1838 - Rotterdam, Holland
Died: March 11, 1897 - London, England

The Dutch-born English composer and music editor, Bethold Tours, had early instruction from his father, Barthélemy Tours (1797-1864), who was organist of the St. Laurence church, and from Verhulst. He afterwards studied at the Conservatoires of Brussels and Leipzig and then accompanied Prince George Galitzin to Russia, and remained there for two years.

From 1861 Bethold Tours resided in London, writing, teaching and playing the violin in the band of the Royal Italian Opera, and other good orchestras. He was appointed organist of the Swiss Church, Holborn in 1862, and in 1878 he became musical adviser and editor to Novello, and in that capacity arranged several important works from the orchestral scores, such as L.v. Beethoven's Mass in C, four of Schubert's Masses, Felix Mendelssohn's Elijah, Charles Gounod's Redemption, etc. etc., besides writing the Primer of the Violin in the series of that firm.

Bethold Tours' compositions are numerous. He wrote for the piano and other instruments, and a large number of songs, some of which were very popular. But his best work is to be found in his hymn tunes, anthems and services for the Anglican Church.

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

Bach-B. Tours: Berthold Tours | Works | Recordings

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