A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Archer, Frederick

ARCHER, Frederick, born June 16, 1838, at Oxford; in early life was chorister at All Saints, Margaret Street, London; his musical education was received in London and Leipzig. He next became organist of Merton College, Oxford, and in 1873 was appointed to the Alexandra Palace. During the last engagement, on March 4, 1876, he played the pianoforte part of Gade's 'Spring Fantasia' on its first performance in England. On the resignation of Mr. Weist Hill he became conductor of that establishment, which post he held until 1880. He was also Conductor (1878–80) of the Glasgow select choir, and director of a provincial opera company. In 1881 he became organist at the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher's church at Brooklyn, U.S.A., which post he still holds, or held until quite recently. Mr. Archer is an excellent organist, and has composed several works for that instrument, pianoforte pieces, songs, etc., besides two works, 'The Organ,' a theoretical and practical treatise (Novello & Co.), and 'The College Organist' (Weekes & Co.). He was for some time the editor of the 'Key Note.'

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