Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Hoyland, John (1783-1827)

588186Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 28 — Hoyland, John (1783-1827)1891Robert Farquharson Sharp

HOYLAND, JOHN (1783–1827), organist and composer, the son of a Sheffield cutler, was born in 1783. From his childhood he evinced an aptitude for music, which he studied, for purposes of recreation, under William Mather, organist to St. James's, Sheffield. Owing to pecuniary losses, Hoyland turned to his art for a livelihood, and devoted himself to teaching music, with great success. In 1808 he succeeded Mather as organist of St. James's, and eleven years later removed to Louth, Lincolnshire, where he was before long appointed organist of the parish church. He died on 18 Jan. 1827. His son William was organist of St. James's from 1829 to 1857.

Hoyland composed several anthems and sacred pieces, also pianoforte studies and songs. He is chiefly remembered by his setting of the 150th Psalm and a version of 'The Land o' the Leal.'

[Grove's Dict. of Music, i. 755; Brown's Biog. Dict. of Music, p. 334; information from Mrs. Oakes, Hoyland's daughter.]

R. F. S.