Firth, Thomas (fl 1787)
Leeds psalmodist.
1787 Sun's harmony, consisting of psalms, hymns, anthems, etc (P262); no copy known
Tim Henderson unearthed the following diary entry from http://leedsindexers.co.uk/Articles/Diary%20of%20John%20SWALLOW.htm:
October 24 Received from the survivors of the late T C Stubbins, the portrait of My Grandfather, Thomas Firth. The portrait of my Grandfather was painted by Rhodes of Leeds, and was presented to him by the LeedsAmateur Musical Society held at the Three Legs Inn, Call Lane. The Portrait was for many years hung up in the Music room of the Three Legs. Thomas Firth was a composer and teacher of music. He was Choirmaster of St. John's in Leeds and subsequently at the Roman Catholic Chapel in Lady Lane. He composed an Oratorio to be sung on laying the foundation stone of the Zion Chapel, now St. James's Church in York street. The Oratorio was called "The Foundation Piece" and was so much appreciated by the music performers in Leeds that it was performed annually (In April I think) and the music on the painting is a part of the Oratorio "Cry and Shout". He wrote a book of Hymn Tunes and Anthems, which were published by Mr. White, who was Organist of Wakefield Church (Parish) and St. Paul's Leeds and Mr. Muff, Music Seller, Commercial Street, Leeds. Several unpublished Anthems and Services of his are in our possession, but the style is not liked at the present day.
Thanks to Gallery Music.
