Best, William Thomas

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Best, William Thomas (b Carlisle, 1826; d Liverpool, 1897). Eng. organist, recognized as the greatest concert organist of his time, the centre of his activities being St George's Hall, Liverpool, where he was city organist 1855–94. Org., Liverpool Philharmonic Soc. 1848–52 and from 1872. Assoc. with Handel fests. in London 1871–91. Arr. many works for his instr. Ed. org. works of Bach, Handel, and Mendelssohn, and wrote books on organ-playing. Gave first recital on Royal Albert Hall organ, 1871, and on Sydney (NSW) Town Hall organ, 1890.