Organist and Master of the Choristers: the Changing Role of the Church Musician in the Nineteenth-Century Anglican Cathedral : Four Case Studies

Abstract

This thesis examines the development of the role of the organist in a variety of English churches during the nineteenth century and how the position changed from one of relatively low status to equality with other professions. Specifically the organists of the cathedral of St Paul (London), Westminster Abbey (London), Canterbury and the parish church of St Peter, Leeds have been examined. These were selected as they run on different bases of foundation and habits within the Church of England. In comparing these foundations it is possible to see how the position of organist has evolved in the different systems, resulting in the movement from part-time employee to reformer whose role included significant musical input into major State occasions coupled with academic appointments.