OMBERSLEY

Composer: William Henry Gladstone

Born: June 3, 1840, Hawarden, Flintshire, Wales. Died: July 4, 1892, Westminster, London, England. Eldest son of British prime minister William Gladstone, William attended Eton College and read Greek and Latin at Christ Church College, Oxford University. A Member of Parliament for a total of 20 years, representing Chester for 3; Whitby, Yorkshire for 12; and East Worcestershire for 5. A singer and organist, he was well versed in musical history, especially the development of Anglican church music. He wrote on musical topics, and one of the views he expressed was that choral church services were to be deplored because "the choirs often discourage the congregations from singing." He wrote the anthems "Gracious and Righteous" and "Withdraw… Go to person page >