A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Greatheed, Samuel
GREATHEED, Rev. Samuel Stephenson, was born in Somersetshire on Feb. 22, 1813. He received his first instruction in harmony from Mr. W. Chappell Ball, organist of St. Mary's, Taunton. In 1831 he entered at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. as fourth wrangler in 1835, and was elected to a Fellowship in 1837. In May 1838 he was ordained by Bishop Allen (of Ely), and in the
same year vacated his Fellowship by marriage. In 1838 and 1839 Mr. Greatheed spent about six months in Berlin, where he studied music under G. W. Schwarz. In 1840 he was appointed to the Curacy of West Drayton, Middlesex, and in 1862 to the Rectory of Corringham, Essex. Mr. Greatheed began to study counterpoint systematically in 1844. His published works are as follows:—'Te Deum,' composed upon the original melody; 'Benedictus,' 'Magnificat,' and 'Nunc Dimittis,' upon the 8th tone; ten anthems; 'Enoch's Prophecy,' a short oratorio, performed by the Harmonic Union, June 11, 1856; music to Bishop Coxe's 'Hymn of Boyhood'; organ fugue in the Dorian mode; 'Quam dilecta,' varied for the organ; many harmonies to old Church melodies; a few original chants and hymn tunes; and some pieces for domestic use. He is also the author of 'A sketch of the History of Sacred Music from the earliest Age,' which appeared in the Church Builder (1876–1879), and a 'Treatise on the Science of Music' in Stewart's Teacher's Assistant (1878–9).[ W. B. S. ]