A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Dibdin, Henry

DIBDIN, Henry Edward, the youngest son of Charles Dibdin the younger, was born in the 'Dibdins' house,' Sadler's Wells, Sept. 8, 1813. He acquired his first knowledge of music from his eldest sister, Mary Anne, afterwards Mrs. Tonna, an excellent harpist, pupil of Challoner and Bochsa. He subsequently studied the harp under Bochsa, and also became proficient on the organ and violin. Early in 1833 Dibdin went to Edinburgh, where he established himself as a teacher. He died May 6, 1866. Dibdin composed a few psalm tunes and some pieces for the organ and pianoforte, but he is best known as the compiler of 'The Standard Psalm Tune Book,' the largest and most authentic collection of psalm tunes ever published, the contents being mainly derived from ancient psalters. Besides his attainments as a musician Dibdin possessed considerable skill as a painter and illuminator.

[ W. H. H. ]