A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Danby, John

DANBY, John, born 1757, one of the most distinguished glee composers Between 1781 and 94 he obtained ten prizes from the Catch Club for eight glees and two canons. He published three books of his compositions, and a fourth was issued after his decease. In 1787 he published an elementary work entitled 'La Guida alla Musica Vocale.' He held the appointment of organist at the chapel of the Spanish embassy, near Manchester Square, for the service of which he composed some masses and motets. He died May 16, 1798, during the performance of a concert which his friends had got up for his benefit, he having long lost the use of his limbs by having been placed in a damp bed at an inn. He was buried in Old St. Pancras churchyard, where an altar tomb was raised to his memory. His fine glee, 'Awake, Æolian lyre!' will not soon be forgotten.

[ W. H. H. ]