William Gardiner (English composer)

William Gardiner (15 March 1770, in Leicester – 16 November 1853) was an English composer who is best known for his hymns. He published two collections of his works: Sacred Melodies (1808) and Music and Friends (1838).[1] Gardiner's promotion of Ludwig van Beethoven led to the first performances of Beethoven's music in England in 1794.[2][3]

This article is about the 19th century English composer. For the 21st century Australian composer, see William Gardiner (Australian composer).

In his Music and Friends, Gardiner told the story of how the first work of Beethoven became known in Britain after arriving in a violin case of a priest fleeing the French Revolutionary army.[4]

Vegetarianism

Gardiner was a teetotaller and vegetarian.[5] He lived on a milk and vegetable diet for several years but gave it up after a life-changing experience.[5] Gardiner stated that on one occasion he was dining with a "Mr. Brooke" an eccentric who placed a beef-steak on the table.[5] He was offended that Gardiner refused to eat meat. Mr. Brooke put a horse pistol to Gardiner's head and declared he would shoot him if he did not eat the beef-steak. After this experience Gardiner gave up his vegetarian diet and resumed his former mode of living.[5]

Selected publications
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References
  • Stephen, Leslie, ed. (1889). "Gardiner, William (1770-1853)" . Dictionary of National Biography. 20. London: Smith, Elder & Co.
  1. "William Gardiner at the Cyber Hymnal". Hymntime.com. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  2. The Harvard University Hymn Book' Page 493 0674026969 2007 English composer William Gardiner was a stocking manufacturer and amateur musician whose enthusiastic support for the works of Ludwig van Beethoven led to the first performances of Beethoven's music in England in 1794."
  3. Herbert B. Turner, William F. Biddle - Church hymns and tunes Page xvii 1909 - Guide to the Pilgrim Hymnal Page 8 "William Gardiner (1770-1853), musical amateur, composer, author, editor, was the son of a Leicester hosiery "
  4. Syer, Geoffrey (1987). "Beethoven and William Gardiner". The Musical Times. 128 (1731): 256–258.
  5. "Music and Friends". Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine. 8: 482. 1839.


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