A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Stimpson, James
STIMPSON, James, a well-known Birmingham musician, born at Lincoln Feb. 29, 1820, son of a lay vicar of the cathedral, who removed to Durham in 1822, where James became a chorister in 1827. In February 1834 he was articled to Mr. Ingham, organist of Carlisle Cathedral; in June 1836 was appointed organist of St. Andrew's, Newcastle; and in June 1841, on Ingham's death, was made organist of Carlisle.
In February 1842 James Stimpson was unanimously chosen organist at the Town Hall and St. Paul's, Birmingham, out of many competitors, and in the following year justified the choice by founding the Festival Choral Society and its Benevolent Fund, in connection with the Triennial Festivals. He continued organist and chorus-master to the Society until 1855. His activity, however, did not stop here. In 1844 he was instrumental in starting the weekly Monday Evening Concerts, of which, in 1859, he took the entire responsibility, to relinquish them only after heavy losses in 1867.
In 1845 Mr. Stimpson had the satisfaction of having the pedals of the Town Hall organ increased from 2 to 2½ octaves, so that he was able to perform the works of J. S. Bach unmutilated. He is still organist of the Town Hall, and gives weekly recitals throughout the year to audiences varying from 600 to 1000. In the absence of a permanent orchestra—a fact remarkable in a town of the wealth, importance, and intelligence of Birmingham—many a young amateur has derived his first taste for classical music from the excellent programmes of Mr. Stimpson. He was permanent organist of the Birmingham festivals, and Mendelssohn's last visit there was to conduct 'Elijah' for Mr. Stimpson's benefit April 25, 1847. He introduced Sims Reeves and Charles Halle to Birmingham, and laboured from 1849 until 1868, in many ways, in the service of good music, gaining thereby the gratitude and respect of his fellow townsmen. He has been Professor of Music at the Blind Institution for 25 years.
D'Almaine published in 1850 'The Organists' Standard Library,' edited by Mr. Stimpson, consisting principally of pieces hitherto unpublished in this country. His other publications consist mostly of arrangements, one of the best known being the favourite anthem 'As pants the hart' from Spohr's 'Crucifixion.' His long experience in teaching the theory of music is embodied in a manual published by Rudall, Carte & Co.