A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Sale, John
SALE, John, born at Gainsborough, March 19, 1734, was admitted in 1766 a lay clerk of St. George's Chapel, Windsor, and held that post until his death, Oct. 2, 1802.
His son, John, born in London in 1758, was in 1767 admitted a chorister of St. George's Chapel, Windsor, and Eton College under William Webb, and so continued until 1775. In 1777 he obtained a lay clerk's place in both choirs. On July 12, 1783 [App. p.779 "1788"], he was admitted a gentleman of the Chapel Royal in the room of Nicholas Lade or Ladd; in 1794 he succeeded John Soaper as vicar choral of St. Paul's; and in 1796 John Hindle as lay vicar of Westminster Abbey. At Christmas 1796 he resigned his appointments at Windsor and Eton. In 1800 he succeeded Richard Bellamy as almoner and master of the choristers of St. Paul's. On Jan. 14, 1812, he was appointed successor to Samuel Webbe as secretary to the Catch Club, and soon afterwards resigned his places of almoner and master of the choristers of St. Paul's. He was also conductor of the Glee Club. He possessed a rich, full, and mellow-toned bass voice, and sang with distinct articulation and energetic expression. He was for thirty years a principal singer at the Concert of Ancient Music and other leading concerts in London, and at various provincial festivals. He composed several glees, which were included, with glees by Lord Mornington and other composers, in collections published by him. He died Nov. 11, 1827. He left two sons, viz.—
John Bernard, born at Windsor, 1779, and admitted a chorister of St. George's Chapel Windsor, and Eton College in 1785. In 1800 he succeeded Richard Bellamy as lay vicar of Westminster Abbey; on Jan. 19, 1803 was admitted a gentleman of the Chapel Royal, in the place of Samuel Champness, and in 1806, on the death of Richard Guise, obtained a second lay vicar's place at Westminster Abbey.[1] On March 30, 1809, he succeeded Michael Rock as organist of St. Margaret's, Westminster. About 1826 he was appointed musical instructor to the Princess (now Queen) Victoria. In 1838 he was admitted organist of the Chapel Royal on the death of Attwood. His voice was a powerful bass, and his style of singing chaste and refined; he excelled in anthems, glees and other part singing. He was for many years principal second bass at the Concert of Ancient Music. He long enjoyed a high reputation as a teacher of singing and the pianoforte. His compositions were few, consisting only of some chants, psalm-tunes, Kyries, glees, songs and duets. One of his duets, 'The Butterfly,' was long in favour. In 1837 he published a collection of psalm and hymn tunes, chants, etc., with a concise system of chanting. He died Sept. 16, 1856. Of his three daughters, two, Mary Anne and Sophia, were organists and teachers of music; Sophia died May 3, 1869. The youngest, Laura, was the wife of William John Thoms, the antiquary, and originator of 'Notes and Queries.'
The other son, George Charles, born at Windsor in 1796, was admitted a chorister of St. Paul's under his father in 1803. He afterwards became a skilful organist, in 1817 succeeded Dr. Busby as organist of St. Mary, Newington, and in 1826 was appointed organist of St. George's, Hanover Square. He died Jan. 23, 1869.[ W. H. H. ]
- ↑ In order to understand how one person could perform the duties of two in the same choir it is necessary to explain that by longstanding custom each lay vicar attends during six months of the year only, i.e. in each alternate month.