A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Alcock, John

by William H. Husk

ALCOCK, John, Mus. Doc. Born at London, April 11, 1715, became at seven years of age a chorister of St. Paul's Cathedral under Charles King. At fourteen he became a pupil of Stanley, the blind organist, who was then, although but sixteen, organist of two London churches, All-hallows, Bread-street, and St. Andrew's, Holborn. In 1738 [App. p.520 "1737"] Alcock became organist of St. Andrew's Church, Plymouth, which place he quitted in 1742, on being chosen organist of St. Lawrence's Church, Reading. In 1749 he was appointed organist, master of the choristers, and lay vicar of Lichfield Cathedral. On June 6, 1755, he took the degree of bachelor of music at Oxford, and in 1761 proceeded to that of doctor. In 1760 he resigned the appointments of organist and master of the choristers of Lichfield, retaining only that of lay vicar. [App. p.520 adds "he held the post of organist of Sutton Coldfield church (1761–1786), and of the parish church of Tamworth (1766–1790."] He died at Lichfield in March [App. p.520 "February"], 1806, aged 91. During his residence at Plymouth, Alcock published 'Six Suites of Lessons for the Harpsichord' and 'Twelve Songs,' and whilst at Reading he published 'Six Concertos,' and a collection of 'Psalms, Hymns, and Anthems.' In 1753 he published a 'Morning and Evening Service in E minor.' He likewise issued (in 1771) a volume containing 'Twenty-six Anthems,' a 'Burial Service,' etc. He was the composer of a number of glees, a collection of which, under the title of 'Harmonia Festi,' he published about 1790. His glee, 'Hail, ever pleasing Solitude,' gained a prize medal at the Catch Club in the year 1770. Alcock edited a collection of Psalm Tunes, by various authors, arranged for four voices, under the title of 'The Harmony of Sion.' He was also author of a novel entitled ' The Life of Miss Fanny Brown.' His son John, Mus. Bac., born 1739, organist of Preston, composed a few anthems between 1773 and 1776, and died 1791.

[ W. H. H. ]