John Stanley

John Stanley, born in London in 1712, was a remarkable composer and organist whose life was marked by both tragedy and triumph. At the tender age of two, Stanley suffered a severe accident that left him almost blind, yet this did not deter his passion for music. By the age of seven, he began his musical studies and quickly showed extraordinary talent. Under the tutelage of Maurice Greene, Stanley became a prodigious organist, securing the position of chapel organist by the age of fourteen and earning a Bachelor of Music degree from Oxford at just seventeen, a record that still stands.

Stanley's prowess on the organ and his compositions gained him widespread acclaim. He was known for his partnership with the legendary George Frideric Handel, who often attended his performances. Stanley's organ voluntaries, published in three sets, were immensely popular and cemented his reputation as one of the greatest English organ composers of the eighteenth century. Beyond his musical achievements, Stanley was also a governor of the Foundling Hospital, showcasing his commitment to philanthropy. His legacy endures as a testament to his resilience and musical genius.