Reading, John

views updated

Reading, John

Reading, John , English organist and composer, probably the son of John Reading; b. c. 1685; d. London, Sept. 2, 1764. He was a chorister of the Chapel Royal under Blow until 1699, organist of Dulwich Coll. from 1700 to 1702, lay vicar at Lincoln Cathedral in 1702, and Master of the Choristers in 1703; later organist in several London churches (1708–64). He compiled 14 autograph vols, of various Works, including 3 for organ, which remain a valuable source in English music. His Works (all publ. in London) include A Book of New Songs…with Symphonies (c. 1710), A Book of New Anthems…with Proper Ritornels (c. 1715), and organ and keyboard music.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire