A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Elford, Richard

ELFORD, Richard, was educated as a chorister in Lincoln Cathedral. His voice changing to a fine counter-tenor he became a member of the choir of Durham Cathedral. About the commencement of the 18th century he came to London, and was engaged as a singer at the theatre. On August 2, 1702, he was sworn-in as a gentleman of the Chapel Royal, a place being created expressly for him. He also obtained the appointments of vicar-choral of St. Paul's Cathedral and lay vicar of Westminster Abbey. After a few years he withdrew from the stage, on which he had never been successful, owing to his ungainly figure and awkward action. Weldon, in the preface to the first book of his 'Divine Harmony' (six solo anthems composed expressly for Elford), and Dr. Croft, in the preface to his 'Musica Sacra,' speak in high terms of Elford's voice and singing. He died Oct. 29, 1714.

[ W. H. H. ]