A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Weldon, John

WELDON, John, born at Chichester, was educated at Eton College, and whilst there studied music under John Walter, the college organist. He afterwards became a pupil of Henry Purcell. In 1694 he was appointed organist of New College, Oxford. In 1700 he gained the first of the four prizes offered for the best compositions of Congreve's masque, 'The Judgment of Paris,' the others being awarded to John Eccles, Daniel Purcell, and Godfrey Finger. [See those names.] Weldon's music was not printed, and is now unknown, with the exception of Juno's song, 'Let ambition fire thy mind,' the air of which was adapted by Arne to the opening duet of 'Love in a Village.' On June 6, 1701, Weldon was sworn in a Gentleman extraordinary of the Chapel Royal. In 1702 he resigned his appointment at New College. Upon the death of Dr. Blow in 1708, Weldon was appointed his successor as organist of the Chapel Royal, and on Aug. 8, 1715, upon the establishment of a second composer's place there he was sworn into it. He was also organist of St. Bride's, Fleet Street and in 1726 was appointed to the same office at St. Martin's-in-the-Fields. He died May 7, 1736, and was buried in the churchyard of St. Paul, Covent Garden. Weldon's principal compositions are for the Church; he published, under the title of 'Divine Harmony,' six solo anthems composed for Richard Elford; other anthems are printed in the collections of Boyce, Arnold, and Page, and many are still in manuscript in the books of the Chapel Royal and some of the cathedrals. The two anthems printed by Boyce 'In Thee, Lord,' and 'Hear my crying,' are admirable compositions, combining pure melody, fine harmony, and just expression. They have a certain anticipation of the sweet natural melody of Sterndale Bennett. Weldon published three books of his songs, and many other songs are contained in the collections of the period. A song by him, 'From grave lessons,' is printed in Hawkins's History.

[ W. H. H. ]