A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Relfe, John

by William Henry Husk

RELFE, John whose father, Lupton Relfe (died, Oct. 1805), was for fifty years organist of Greenwich Hospital was born about 1766. He received his first instruction from his father, and at eighteen was articled to Keeble, organist of St. George's, Hanover Square. About 1810 he was appointed one of the King's band of music. He had much reputation as a teacher of the pianoforte, and composed some sonatas, a popular ballad, 'Mary's Dream,' and other pieces. In 1798 he published 'The Principles of Harmony,' in which nearly the whole theoretical plan of Logier, so far as it was connected with offering elementary instruction through the medium of exercises, was anticipated. He was also author of 'Remarks on the Present State of Musical Instruction,' 1819, and 'Lucidus Ordo,' an attempt to divest thorough-bass and composition of their intricacies, 1819. He died about 1837.

[ W. H. H. ]