A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Aylward, Theodore

by William H. Husk

AYLWARD, Theodore, Mus. Doc., was born in or about 1730. Of his early career but little information can be gleaned. We find him in 1755 composing for the church, and in 1759 for the theatre. In 1769 the Catch Club awarded him the prize medal for his serious glee, 'A cruel fate,' a surprising decision, as one of the competing compositions was Arne's fine glee, 'Come shepherds we'll follow the hearse.' On June 5, 1771 Aylward was appointed Professor of Music in Gresham College. In 1784 he was nominated one of the assistant directors of the Commemoration of Handel. In 1788 he succeeded William Webb as organist and master of the choristers of St. George's Chapel, Windsor. On Nov. 19, 1791, he took the degree of Bachelor of Music at Oxford, and two days afterwards proceeded to that of Doctor. He died Feb. 27, 1801, aged 70. Dr. Aylward published 'Six Lessons for the Organ, Op. 1'; 'Elegies and Glees, Op. 2'; 'Six Songs in Harlequin's Invasion, Cymbeline, Midsummer Night's Dream,' etc.; and 'Eight Canzonets for two soprano voices.' Two glees and a catch by him are included in Warren's collections. His church music, with the exception of two chants, remains in manuscript. Dr. Aylward is said (on the authority of Bowles, the poet) to have been a good scholar, and possessed of considerable literary attainments. Hayley, the poet, inscribed some lines to his memory. Dr. Aylward's great-great-nephew, Theodore Aylward, is now (1876) the organist of Llandaff Cathedral. [App. p.526 "from 1768 to 1781 he was organist of St. Michael's, Cornhill. (Dict. of Nat. Biog.) His kinsman mentioned at the end of the article was for some time organist of Chichester Cathedral, and since January, 1887, has held a post of some importance at Cardiff."]

[ W. H. H. ]