A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Oliphant, Thomas

OLIPHANT, Thomas, born 1799, was in 1830 admitted a member of the Madrigal Society, and soon afterwards became its Honorary Secretary. He adapted English words to many Italian madrigals, some of which have become exceedingly popular, notably 'Down in a flow'ry Vale,' to Festa's 'Quando ritrovo.' In 1834 he published 'A Brief Account of the Madrigal Society,' and in 1836 'A Short Account of Madrigals.' In 1837 he published an 8vo volume entitled 'La Musa Madrigalesca,' a collection of the words of nearly 400 madrigals, with remarks and annotations. He wrote an English version of Beethoven's 'Fidelio,' and English words to several songs, and edited Tallis's 'Service and Responses.' In his latter years he was President of the Madrigal Society. He died March 9, 1873.

[ W. H. H. ]