WILLIAM JACKSON of Masham

William Jackson of Masham (1815–1866) was born in Masham, Yorkshire, England, leaving school at age 13 to work in his father’s mill and a bakery. With the help of his father, he built his own organ patterned after the barrel organ in the parish church. He mostly taught himself music and took lessons in Ripon. He learned to play 15 instruments by early adulthood. Briefly working as a tallow chandler, he held several organist positions including Masham Parish Church; St. John’s Church, Bradford; and Horton Lane Independent Church. He was conductor of the Bradford Choral Union and chorusmaster of Bradford Festivals. In 1858, he took a choir to Buckingham Palace to perform before Queen Victoria. He died in Bradford. His son William (1853–1877) also was an organist and composer. His compositions include oratorios; cantatas; a psalm for solo, choir and orchestra; works for military band, sacred music, glees; part-songs; and songs.

All are mixed chorus; some contain divisi.

SET	TITLE	VOICING	TEXT	LISTEN
	By Marykirk, a sweet bird sang		Thomas Watson	LISTEN X Stop audio before closing