He became in 1790 the pupil of Theodore Smith, an indifferent musician of the time, who, however, taught him sufficient to obtain in 1794 the position of organist at Ely Chapel, Holborn. This post he resigned in 1798, to become organist at the Asylum for Female Orphans, as assistant to Dr Callcott, with whom he had long been on terms of personal and artistic intimacy, and whose eldest daughter he married.
In 1802 he became his friend's successor upon the latter's resignation. Besides holding this appointment he became in 1812 organist of Belgrave Chapel, Halkin Street and in 1838 of the Charter House.
Horsley's compositions are numerous, and include amongst other instrumental pieces three symphonies for full orchestra. Infinitely more important are his glees, of which he published five books (1801-1807) besides contributing many detached glees and part songs to various collections. His glees, "By Celia's arbour," "O nightingale," "Now the storrr begins to lower," and others, are amongst the finest specimen of this peculiarly English class of compositions.
Horsley's son Charles Edward also enjoyed a certain reputation as a musician. Another son John Callcott was a painter.
This article incorporates text from the public domain 1911 Encyclopędia Britannica.
WilliamHorsley Rowley, J.P. A former president of the Canadian Manufacturers Association.
WILLIAMHORSLEY ROWLEY, a material factor in the defeat of the "Taft-Fielding" reciprocity compact, was born at Yarmouth, N. S., March 21st, 1851, eldest son of Lt.-Col. John W. Rowley and Anne Norman (Farish) Rowley.
He is a member of the following clubs: the Denholm Angling; the Country; the Rideau; the Athletic; the Rowing; the Canoe; the Cricket; the Golf, and the Laurentide, all of Ottawa, also the Mount Royal of Montreal, and the Albany; the National and the York of Toronto.
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