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STAINER, (Sir) John
b London, 6 June 1840
d Verona, 31 March 1901, aged sixty

He was the son of a parish schoolmaster who taught him organ from an early age. He lost the sight of his left eye in an accident at the age of five. In 1848 he became a chorister at St Paul's Cathedral, and in 1854 an organist, first in London then in Tenbury. He entered Christ Church, Oxford, in 1859, where he obtained both music and arts degrees. In 1860 he was appointed organist of Magdalen College and in 1861 organist to the University. He returned to St Paul's as organist in 1872, but had to resign in 1888 because of failing eyesight. He was knighted in that year. In 1889 he returned to Oxford as professor of music, and held high office in many music societies and associations. He died suddenly while visiting Italy.

1865 (25)

Gideon, oratorio

1878 (38)

The Daughter of Jairus, cantata

1887 (47)

St Mary Magdalen, cantata

Jubilee, cantata

The Crucifixion, oratorio

1893 (53)

The Story of the Cross, cantata

Stainer also wrote eight services and other church works, music for organ, madrigals, partsongs and songs.