Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Howard, Samuel
HOWARD, SAMUEL (1710–1782), organist and composer, born in 1710, was a chorister of the Chapel Royal under Dr. William Croft [q. v.] After continuing his musical studies under Pepusch, he became organist of St. Clement Danes, Strand, and St. Bride's, Fleet Street. In 1769 he graduated Mus.Doc. at Cambridge. He died on 13 July 1782, at his house in Norfolk Street, Strand.
Howard composed much popular music. His incidental music to the 'Amorous Goddess' was performed at Drury Lane, and published in 1744. His two songs in 'Love in a Village' (1764?), 'O had I been by Fate decreed,' and 'How much superior beauty awes,' were sung by Incledon and Mattocks, and he was part composer of 'Netley Abbey' and 'The Mago and the Dago.' His church music includes the anthem for voices and orchestra, 'This is the Day,' performed at St. Margaret's, 1792, and several psalm and hymn tunes, two, named respectively 'Howard' and 'St. Brides,' being widely known. His songs are numerous. A collection called 'The Musical Companion,' 1775?, contains about fifty of his cantatas, solos, and duets. The accompaniments are for harpsichord and violin. The words of 'To Sylvia'are by Garrick; of 'Would you long preserve a Lover?' by Congreve; and 'Florellio and Daphne' by Shenstone. The collection includes Howard's `Lass of St. Osyth,' 'Advice to Chloe,' and his 'Six Songs sung by Miss Davies at Vauxhall.' Other songs by Howard not included in this volume are 'Lucinda's Name,' addressed to the Princess Amelia, 1740? 'Nutbrown Maid,' and 'I like the Man' (1750?). Some of his songs also appeared in the 'British Orpheus,' bk. iv., and in the 'Vocal Musical Mask.' His style was dull, even in his most admired 'musettes.' Howard assisted Boyce in the compilation of 'CathedralMusic,' and his most valuable work is probably to be found there.
[Gent. Mag. lii. 359; A.B.C. Dario Musico; Dict. of Music, 1827, i. 378; Grove's Dict. of Music, i. 759; Brown's Biog. Dict. p. 334; Howard's music in the British Museum Library.]