A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Barnett, John Francis

by Edward Francis Rimbault

BARNETT, John Francis, nephew of the preceding, son of Joseph Alfred Barnett, a professor of music, was born Oct. 6, 1838 [App. p.531 "Oct. 16, 1837"]. He began the study of the pianoforte when six years old under the guidance of his mother. When eleven he was placed under Dr. Wylde. The boy progressed rapidly in his studies, and a twelve-month later became a candidate for the Queen's Scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music. This he gained, and at the expiration of two years, the duration of the scholarship, he competed again, and was again successful. During the first year of his scholarship he was engaged and played (from memory) Mendelssohn's Concerto in D minor at the New Philharmonic Society, under the direction of Spohr (July 4, 1853). The second scholarship coming to an end in 1857, he visited Germany, studied under Hauptmann and Rietz at the Conservatorium at Leipsic, and performed at the Gewandhaus (Mar. 22, 1860). At the expiration of three years he returned to London and played at the Philharmonic, June 10, 1861. The first composition that brought the young composer into notice was a symphony in A minor, produced at the Musical Society of London (June 15, 1864). He has since written several quartets and quintets for string instruments, pianoforte trios, as well as an 'Overture Symphonique' for the Philharmonic Society (May 11, 1868), a concerto in D minor, and other works. In 1867, at the request of the committee of the Birmingham Festival, he composed his cantata 'The Ancient Mariner,' on Coleridge's poem, which was an acknowledged success. In 1870 he received a second commission from the Birmingham Festival committee to write a cantata, and this time he chose 'Paradise and the Peri,' which was performed the same year with great success. Both these works have been given repeatedly in England and the Colonies. Mr. Barnett next wrote his overture to Shakspeare's 'Winter's Tale' for the British Orchestral Society, which performed it Feb. 6, 1873. In the same year he produced his oratorio 'The Raising of Lazarus,' which may be regarded as his most important work. In the following year he received a commission to compose an instrumental work for the Liverpool Festival, when he chose for his theme Scott's 'Lay of the Last Minstrel.' This was produced on Oct. 1, 1874. Besides the works numerated, Mr. Barnett has written a number of pianoforte and vocal compositions, including a 'Tantum Ergo' in eight parts.

[ E. F. R. ]