A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Tours, Berthold
TOURS, Berthold, born Dec. 17, 1838, at Rotterdam. His early instruction was derived from his father, who was organist of the St. Laurence church, and from Verhulst. He afterwards studied at the Conservatoires of Brussels and Leipzig, and then accqmpanied Prince George Galitzin to Russia, and remained there for two years. Since 1861 he has resided in London, writing, teaching, and playing in the band of the Royal Italian Opera, and other good orchestras. In 1878 he became musical adviser and editor to Messrs. Novello, Ewer, & Co., and in that capacity has arranged several important works from the orchestral scores, such as Beethoven's Mass in C, four of Schubert's Masses, 'Elijah,' Gounod's 'Redemption,' etc. etc., besides writing the 'Primer of the Violin' in the series of that firm. Mr. Tours's compositions are numerous. He has written for the piano and other instruments, and a large number of songs, some of which have been very popular. But his best work is to be found in his Hymn-tunes, Anthems, and Services, for the Anglican Church, particularly a Service in F and an Easter Anthem, 'God hath appointed a day,' which are greatly in demand.
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