A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Beckwith, John
BECKWITH, John Christmas, Mus. Doc., was born Dec. 25, 1759 [App. p.533 "1750"], and studied music under Dr. Philip Hayes [App. p.533 "and Dr. William Hayes. He was appointed organist of St. Peter Mancroft's, Norwich, on Jan. 16, 1794 and succeeded Garland as organist of the cathedral in 1808. (Dict. of Nat. Biog.) He never wrote or gave his Christian name officially otherwise than 'John,' and it is believed that the name 'Christmas' was merely a playful addition made by his friends by reason of his having been born on Christmas Day. He was succeeded in both his appointments by his son, John Charles, born 1788, died Oct. 5, 1828, who in turn was succeeded by Dr. Buck"]. He succeeded Garland as organist of the cathedral and St. Peter's Mancroft, Norwich, about 1780. On July 5, 1803, he took his degrees as Mus. Bac. and Mus. Doc. at Oxford. He composed many anthems—six of them published by Clementi—and a few vocal pieces, some of which became popular. He was considered a good singing-master, and was the instructor of Thomas Vaughan. In 1808 he published a set of chants under the following title:—'The First Verse of every Psalm of David, with an Ancient or Modern Chant, in Score, adapted as much as possible to the Sentiment of each Psalm.' The preface to this work contains 'a short history of chanting,' which displays learning and research, and contains the first suggestion of marked psalters. Dr. Buck, who was his pupil and successor at Norwich Cathedral, describes his master as being almost as proficient in painting as in music. He died June 3, 1809.
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