A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Defesch, William

DEFESCH, William, a Fleming by birth, was organist of the church of Notre Dame at Antwerp, and in 1725 succeeded Alfonso D'Eve as chapel-master there, but was in 1731 dismissed on account of his ill-treatment of some of the choir-boys under his charge. He then came to England, and established himself in London, where, in 33, he produced an oratorio entitled 'Judith,' which enjoyed some degree of popularity, and in 45 another called 'Joseph.' Whilst at Antwerp he composed a mass for voices and orchestra. His published works comprise several sets of sonatas and concertos for stringed and other instruments, some solos for the violoncello, and a collection of canzonets and airs, and some single songs. He was an able violinist. An engraved portrait of him was published in London in 1757. He died about 1758.

[ W. H. H. ]