PURCELL JAMES MANSFIELD

Purcell James Mansfield (1889–1968) was born in Torquay, Devon, England, son of two accomplished musicians who named their son after the celebrated composer Henry Purcell. At age 14, he was admitted to the University of Durham, England, and won multiple prizes at the Bristol Eisteddfod. At 16, he became Organist and Choirmaster of the Wesleyan Church in Paignton, Devon, then Bideford Wesleyan Church. At 21, he accepted the highly desirable position of organist and choirmaster of the Park Parish Church in Glasgow, Scotland. Returning to the position after WWI, he also became organist and choirmaster of Paisley Abbey and the Clark Town Hall, and was the singing master at the John Neilson Institute. Later in his career, he also served at Hyndland Parish church. Throughout, he was active as teacher, adjudicator, examiner, recitalist, composer and conductor. He died in Glasgow. His primary interest was church music and his compositions include choral works and many pieces for organ.

All are mixed chorus; some contain divisi.