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First name: William
Last name: Wolstenholme
Dates: 1865-1931
Category: Quartet
Nationality: British
Opus name: Piano Quartet in E, Opus 87
Publisher: unpublished
Peculiarities: Manuscript: Blackburn Central Library, Reference Division ( incomplete)
Information: Wolstenholme was born in Blackburn, Lancashire on 24 February 1865. He was blind from birth and was educated at the Worcester College for the Blind Sons of Gentlemen. He showed considerable promise as a musician and impressed Henry Smart who agreed to take him as a pupil. Alas, Smart died before lessons began. He was duly trained in music by Dr William Done of Worcester. He also studied the violin under Edward Elgar. He appeared at a Worcester Philharmonic Society in a performance of the Mendelssohn G minor piano concerto. In 1887 Wolstenholme went up to Oxford University where he later graduated as a Bachelor of Music. In 1888 he was appointed organist and choirmaster of St Paul’s Church, Blackburn and began to consolidate his position as a teacher, recitalist and improviser. Fourteen years later he accepted the post of organist at All Saint’s Church Norfolk Square, Paddington and afterwards at All Saints, St. John’s Wood. In 1908 he undertook a major concert tour of the United States. This secured his ‘international’ reputation. William Wolstenholme died in 1931. Although he is primarily regarded as a composer of organ works, his catalogue includes choral music including a cantata, Lord Ullin's Daughter, for soloist, chorus and strings, numerous anthems, madrigals, song cycles and a number of detached pieces for piano, harp, mandolin, violin, viola and oboe. Stylistically, he has been referred to as the ‘English César Franck’. Although this may be unfair to both composers it is a reasonable rule of thumb and gives the listener a good idea of the kind and quality of music to expect. It is also possible that he can be bracketed with Alfred Hollins and Basil Harwood. John France Read more: http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2011/Aug11/Wolstenholme_Organ_PRCD1047.htm#ixzz1jjVBMUYe