A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Monk, Edwin

MONK, Edwin George, Mus. Doc., born at Frome, Somerset, Dec. 13, 1819, was initiated in music by his father, an amateur. He studied pianoforte playing at Bath under Henry Field, and organ playing under George Field. He then went to London and learned choral singing in Hullah's classes, and solo singing from Henry Phillips. After holding several appointments as organist in his native county he went to Ireland in 1844, and became organist and music master of the newly-formed College of St. Columba, and at the same date commenced the study of harmony and composition under Mr. G. A. Macfarren, whose invaluable teaching he enjoyed for several years. In 1847 he settled in Oxford, and was concerned in the formation of 'The University Motett and Madrigal Society.' In 1848 he obtained the appointments of lay precentor, organist and music master at the new College of St. Peter, Radley, and graduated as Mus. Bac. at Oxford. In 1856 he proceeded Mus. Doc., his exercise being a selection from Gray's ode, 'The Bard,' which he published in the same year in vocal score. In 1859 he was appointed successor to Dr. Camidge as organist and choirmaster of York Cathedral. He has published a service, several anthems, a 'Veni Creator Spiritus,' and other pieces, and various secular compositions, and has edited 'The Anglican Chant Book' and 'The Anglican Choral Service Book'; also, with the Rev. R. Corbet Singleton, 'The Anglican Hymn Book,' and, with Sir F. A. G. Ouseley, 'The Psalter and Canticles pointed for chanting' (two series), and 'Anglican Psalter Chants.' He is the compiler of the libretti of Professor Macfarren's oratorios, 'St. John the Baptist,' 'The Resurrection,' and 'Joseph.'

[ W. H. H. ]