A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Bexfield, William

BEXFIELD, William Richard, Mus. Doc., born at Norwich April 27, 1824, and became a chorister of the cathedral under Dr. Buck. After leaving the choir he applied himself to the study of music, in which, although almost self-taught, he attained to considerable skill. He obtained the situation of organist at Boston, Lincolnshire, and in 1846 graduated as Bachelor of Music at Oxford. He lectured on music, and on the death of Dr. Crotch in 1847 became a candidate for the professorship of music at Oxford. In February 1848 he left Boston for London on being appointed organist of St. Helen's, Bishopsgate Street. He proceeded Doctor of Music at Cambridge in 1849.

On Sept. 22, 1852, his oratorio 'Israel restored' was performed at Norwich Musical Festival. Dr. Bexfield died Oct. 29, 1853, at the early age of twenty-nine. A set of organ fugues and a collection of anthems by him were published, besides his Oratorio.

[ W. H. H. ]