A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Fawcett, John
FAWCETT, John, born at Bolton-le-moors, Lancashire, in 1789, was originally a shoemaker, but abandoned that calling to follow the profession of music in his native town. He composed three sets of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, published at various periods under the titles of 'The Voice of Harmony,' 'The Harp of Zion,' and 'Miriam's Timbrel,' which are still very popular in Lancashire. In 1840 he edited and arranged the accompaniments to a collection of psalm and hymn tunes and other pieces selected by Joseph Hart, the music publisher, entitled 'Melodia divina.' An oratorio of his composition, called 'Paradise,' was published in 1853. He died at Bolton, Oct. 26, 1867. His third son,
John Fawcett, jun., Mus. Bac., was born about 1824, and when only eleven years old obtained the appointment of organist at St. John's Church, Farnworth. Seven years later he succeeded an elder brother as organist of the parish church, Bolton. In 1845, leaving a sister to discharge his duties at Bolton, he came to London and entered as a pupil at the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied under Sterndale Bennett. During his stay in London (about twelve months) he officiated as organist of Curzon Chapel. On Nov. 4, 1852, he was admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Music at Oxford, his exercise, a cantata, entitled 'Supplication and Thanksgiving,' performed on the previous day, being highly commended by the Professor of Music, Sir H. R. Bishop. Fawcett died, after a short illness, at his residence in Manchester, July 1, 1857.[ W. H. H. ]