Arthur Francis Smith Explained

Arthur Francis Smith (1849 – 1914)^[1] was a British organist and composer, and founder of the Derby School of Music.

Career

Smith was a pupil of Edward Chadfield, and graduated BMus (1883) at Queens' College, Cambridge. He served as organist of St George's Church, Ticknall (1869–1872), then organist at St Werburgh's Church, Derby (1872–1912).^[2]

Smith worked as a local choral society conductor, and editor of the monthly Journal of the Incorporated Society of Musicians. He was an honorary member and local representative and examiner for the Royal Academy of Music, and the Royal College of Music.

Smith was a founder of the Derby School of Music (1885), and Head Teacher from 1885–1912. He wrote a series of technical work books published by Weekes & Co. in 1896.^[3]

Compositions

Smith composed the setting of Psalm 103 'Praise The Lord' for voices and orchestra, and much church music including Te Deum in G (1894).

Notes and References

1. Book: Dictionary of Composers for the Church in Great Britain and Ireland . Maggie . Humphreys . Robert . Evans . A&C Black . 1997 . 0720123305.
2. Book: West, John E. . Cathedral Organists Past and Present . Novello . London . 1899.
3. Derby School of Music Series – Arpeggios of Common Chords & Scales – Published by Weekes & Co. 1896