Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Langshaw, John
LANGSHAW, JOHN (1718–1798), organist, born in 1718, was employed about 1761 with John Christopher Smith 'in arranging music for some barrels belonging to a large organ, the property of the Earl of Bute.' The 'barrels were set, by an ingenious artist of the name of Langshaw, in so masterly a manner that the effect was equal to that produced by the most finished player.' In 1772 Langshaw quitted London, and was appointed organist of the parish church, Lancaster. He died there in 1798.
His son, John Langshaw (fl. 1798), born in London in 1763, was educated chiefly in Lancaster until in 1779 he went to London to study under Charles Wesley, from whom and also from Samuel Wesley he received much kindness. He finally settled down as a teacher of music in the metropolis. On his father's death in 1798 he was appointed organist at Lancaster, where he also frequently appeared in concerts as a pianist. He published a number of compositions, including hymns, chants, songs, pianoforte concerti, and a theme with variations for piano or harp, written for the Countess of Dromore. A large number of unpublished compositions by Langshaw is said to be extant.
[Grove's Dict. of Music; Dict. of Music, 1824; Registers.]
John Langshaw Chamber Barrel Organ in PerthshireJohn Langshaw Chamber Barrel Organ in Lancaster