A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Pye, Kellow

PYE, Kellow John, well known in London musical circles; the son of a merchant; was born at Exeter, Feb. 9, 1812. His musical tendencies showed themselves early. He entered the Royal Academy of Music, London, in Feb. 1823, immediately after its foundation, and took the first pianoforte lesson ever given within its walls. This was under Cipriani Potter. He also studied harmony, counterpoint, and composition there, under Dr. Crotch, the Principal, and remained a pupil till 1829. He then returned to Exeter, and for some years enjoyed considerable local fame in the south-west of England. In 1834 he gained the Gresham medal for his full anthem 'Turn Thee again, O Lord' (Novello), which with other anthems of his are in use in the Cathedrals. In 1842 he took the degree of Mus. Bac. at Oxford. Soon after this he came to London, and though forsaking the profession of music for business, retained his connexion with the art by joining the direction of the R.A.M. where he succeeded Sir G. Clerk as chairman of the committee of management (1864–67). He is also a member of the Executive and Finance Committees of the Royal and National College of Music (President H.R.H. the Prince of Wales). His published works, besides those mentioned, comprise 'Stray Leaves,' 12 nos. (Lamborn Cock& Co.), 4 Full Anthems (Novello), 3 Short Full Anthems (Do.), Songs, etc.

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