A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Ellerton, John

by William H. Husk

ELLERTON, John Lodge, an amateur composer, born in Cheshire, Jan. 11, 1807, was a descendant from an ancient Irish family. In his childhood he showed a remarkable fondness for music, and notwithstanding his father's strong discouragement, soon attained by his own efforts to as much knowledge as enabled him to play the piano. Being sent to Oxford (where he graduated as M.A. in 1828), he lost no opportunity of pursuing music; devoting his attention chiefly to composition. While at Oxford he composed an English operetta and an Italian opera. On quitting the university he went to Rome, studied counterpoint for two years under a chapelmaster named Terriani, and composed several operas. Ellerton essayed nearly every species of composition. His works comprise 6 anthems; 6 masses; 17 motets; 'Paradise Lost,' oratorio; 'Issipile,' 'Berenice in Armenia,' 'Annibale in Capua,' 'Il Sacrifizio di Epito,' 'Andromacca,' 'Il Carnovale di Venezia,' and 'Il Marito a Vista,' Italian operas; Carlo Rosa, German opera; 'Lucinda,' 'Dominica,' and 'The Bridal of Triermain,' English operas; 61 glees; 83 vocal duets; 5 symphonies; 4 concert overtures; 3 quintets, 44 quartets and 3 trios for stringed instruments; and 8 trios and 13 sonatas for various combinations of instruments. In 1835 and 1838 the Catch Club awarded him prizes for glees. He died Jan. 3, 1873.

[ W. H. H. ]