Vaughan Richardson Explained

Vaughan Richardson (died 1729) was an organist at Winchester Cathedral, and a composer, particularly of church music.

Life

His year of birth is not known, but he is known to have sung at the coronation of James II in 1685 as a chorister of the Chapel Royal. After deputizing for the ailing organist Richard Davis at the Worcester Cathedral from 1686 to 1688,^[1] he became organist of Winchester Cathedral in 1693. He was also lay vicar and master of the choristers. He remained there for the rest of his life.^{[2] [3]}

On 5 October 1710 he married a Mrs Apleford at Winchester Cathedral. Richardson died in 1729 in Winchester, and was buried there on 9 May. A daughter, Laetitia, survived him.^[2]

Compositions

• It is known that Richardson composed 21 anthems (some surviving in manuscript), including "O Lord, God of my salvation", which has been attributed to Jeremiah Clarke, and "O how amiable"^{[2] [3]}
• A Collection of New Songs (1701), including an ode to St Cecilia "Ye tuneful and harmonious choir"^[2]
• A Service in C (1713) to celebrate the Treaty of Utrecht^[2]

Notes and References

1. Book: A Biographical Dictionary of English Court Musicians, 1485-1714, Volumes I. RICHARDSON, VAUGHAN (d. 1729). Child of the Chapel Royal, -1678 - 1688; [composer]. Andrew Ashbee. David Lasocki. Routledge. 2018. 1673. 9781351578226 .
2. 23588. Ian. Spink. Richardson, Vaughan.
3. Middleton. Louisa M.. Richardson, Vaughan. 48. 250–251.