Portal:University of Oxford/Selected biography/75

Sir John Stainer (1840–1901) was an English composer and organist whose music, though not generally much performed today (except for The Crucifixion, was very popular during his lifetime. Stainer became a chorister at St Paul's Cathedral when aged ten and was appointed to the position of organist at St Michael's College, Tenbury at the age of sixteen. In 1860 he became organist at Magdalen College, Oxford, studying for his BA degree alongside his duties and later obtaining his doctorate. He improved the Magdalen choir and was highly regarded as an organist. The Vice-Chancellor, Francis Jeune, appointed Stainer in 1861 to the prestigious post of University Organist at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. He had considerable influence on sacred music in Oxford and his reputation spread beyond the confines of the city. In 1872 he was appointed organist at St Paul's Cathedral. When he retired due to his poor eyesight and deteriorating health, he returned to Oxford to become Professor of Music at the university. His work as choir trainer and organist set standards for Anglican church music that are still influential. (Full article...)