Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Garth, John

by Louisa M. Middleton

GARTH, JOHN (fl. 1757), musical composer, of Durham, began his great work, the adaptation of the ‘First Fifty Psalms of Marcello’ to the English version, in 1757. It was dedicated to the Bishop (Trevor) of Durham, and completed in eight volumes in the course of as many years. Garth's Op. 2, six sonatas for the harpsichord, pianoforte, or organ, with accompaniments for two violins and violoncello, became very popular. He also composed (Op. 3) six voluntaries for the organ, &c., six concertos for violoncello, six sonatas (Op. 7), thirty collects (1794), and instructions for the harpsichord.

[Calcott's MS. Dict.; Brown's Dict. of Musicians.]

L. M. M.