Sinden.org

You might have heard of Andrew Nethsingha, the new Director of Music of the Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge. And you might know that his predecessor was David Hill. And you might own a couple CDs by David's predecessor Christopher Robinson. And from there, you probably know the name George Guest since he held the post for a mere 40 years. Robin Orr, Guests's predecessor, wrote quite a bit and you might have some of his music in your choir's library.

But what about before that? Cyril Rootham? Who's that? George Garrett? He doesn't even have a Wikipedia page!

(Until now.)

I love succession boxes, and Garrett boxes.

Mus.D. gown of George Mursell Garrett
c. 1867. Cream (decorated with floral design) and red silk. A label inside reads 'R. Buttress & Co Ltd' and bears the name 'Robin Orr'. This gown belonged to George Mursell Garrett (Mus.B. 1857, Mus.D. 1867), Organist of St John’s College 1857-97, and University Organist 1873-97. From Garrett the gown passed to Cyril Bradley Rootham (BA 1897, College Organist 1901-38) and from Rootham to Robin Orr (Mus.B. 1932, College Organist 1938-51).
Given by Mrs Doris Orr, April 2008. Garrett box.

And I thought my cassock smelled bad.

Labels: church music