Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Dibdin, Henry Edward
DIBDIN, HENRY EDWARD (1813–1866), musician, the youngest son of Charles Dibdin the younger [q. v.], born at Sadler's Wells 8 Sept. 1813, was taught music by his elder sister, Mary Anne (b. 1800), afterwards Mrs. Tonna, who was an excellent harpist and musician, and the composer of several songs and instrumental pieces. Dibdin studied the harp with her, and afterwards with Bochsa. He also performed on the viola and organ. His first public appearance took place at Covent Garden Theatre on 3 Aug. 1832, when he played the harp at Paganini's last concert. In 1833 he settled at Edinburgh, where he remained for the rest of his life, holding the honorary post of organist of Trinity Chapel, and occupied with private teaching and composition. In 1843 he published (in collaboration with J. T. Surenne) a collection of church music, a supplement to which appeared in the following year. His best known work is the ‘Standard Psalm Book’ (1852), an admirable collection, with a useful historical preface. In 1865 he also compiled another collection, ‘The Praise Book.’ His remaining published works, about forty in number, consist of songs, pianoforte and harp pieces, and a good many hymn tunes. Dibdin was also a skilled artist and illuminator. His death took place at Edinburgh 6 May 1866.
[Information from Mr. E. R. Dibdin; Crawford and Eberle's Biog. Index to the Church Hymnal, 3rd ed. 1878; Grove's Dict. of Music, i. 444.]