3-039-165 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sir George Elvey, Doctor of Music, 1871. 'This new-made Knight was born, in 1816, at Canterbury, and received his education at the cathedral school of that city. He took his degree as Bachelor of Music at Oxford, in 1831, and in 1841 got that of Doctor of Music at the same University. It was in 1835 that he received the appointment, which he still holds, of organist at St. George's Chapel, Windsor, the choir of which, and that of Eton College, owe much of their efficiency to his skilful superintendence. The position held by the subject of this memoir so near the Court naturally led to his participation in several State ceremonials, the last of which - the marriage of Princess Louise - resulted in his knighthood...The compositions of Sir G. J. Elvey consist chiefly of anthems and Church services, of which he has produced many, including some pieces specially written for the occasions above referred to. For these, and for his organ-playing - particularly as an accompanyist - Sir G. Elvey has long been esteemed as a musician of sound acquirements. He composed the Festival Anthems for two of the triennial meetings in Gloucester and Worcester Cathedrals. He is the author, also, of an oratorio, entitled "The Resurrection and Ascension".' From "Illustrated London News", 1871.