The Salt Lake herald-Republican. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 1910-08-07


THE efforts of the former pupils
l. OF the late Professor Thomas
Radcliffe. A G. o.. TO found a society
10 commemorate his work is highly
fitting in view OF the fact that he was
one of the most talented musicians
who have ever made Salt Lake their
home. He, Clarence Eddy and Will
liam Carl. ranked as the three great
American Organists. and his work,
both as Organist and teacher should
not be forgotten
Professor Radcliffe was born on
the island Of Malta eighty years ago.
His mother was a FlOrentine and his
father an Englishman. When Thorn
as was 6 his father returned TO Lon
don with the family, where the
mother soon after died. The boy was
educated at Liverpool college under
Dean HOwsOn OF Chester. and grad
uated with a strong letter of recon-
mendatiOn from that famous teacher.
EVincing a talent for music at an
early age, and showing a decided lik-
ing for that art, he was put under
several of the best teachers of that
time 10 study piano and harmony.
First Played Near Liverpool.
AT the age of Is Thomas Radcliffe
began his studies on the pipe organ,
and three years afterwards received
his first appointment as OTganist and
choir master at a church near Lover
pool Later he was appointed church
Organist 10 the corporation of Liver
pool Among his teachers were W.
T. Best. the greatest OF English or
ganists; Sir Henry Smart, Lefebure
Wely and Thalbersl the renowned
pianist
In the fall of 1879. at the invita-
ton of DR.. TOurJes Thomas Radcliffe
came TO Boston. and while there was
persuaded by Mrs. +. B. Hamilton TO
come TO Salt Lake To make his home,
which he did in 1850. Upon his ar
rival he was Immediately engaged as
Organist by the First Congregational
church. the position which he held
up 10 the time of his death.
Before leaving England Professor
Radcliffe appeared upon the concert
stage upon a great many occasions,
His last public appearance there was
at Liverpool on New Years eve in
1877. when the Festival Choral socie-
ty selected him to conduct their per-
Torrance of the Messiah" at st.
Georges hall, with Mr.. Best at the
500 voices. with an orchestra OF fifty
pieces. So successful was he IN the
rendition Of that celebrated work
that the press all united in calling II
the most perfect they had heard.
Scored Success at Denver.
In 1883 Professor Radcliffe was
invited 10 Denver 10 assist at the
opening Of the Trinity Nj. z. church,
with its immense organ, which he did
So successfully that the Denver Re
publican went into raptures over his
handling OF the magnificent instru-
ment and stated that he did the most
artistic work OF the evening. This
was only one OF the many tributes
that were constantly paid 10 the work
of the great musician during his life
time.
In 1898 ne was selected by the
represent the state in the capacity Of
concert Organist al Chicago, where
his playing created so much favorable
comment that he was requested by
Mr.. Wilson. chief of the music bu-
reau. 10 play for Kansas day, and also
by Director General Davis TO play for
the Railroad Mems convention,
which he did, performing on the
great festival organ in Choral hail.
OF his work as Organist at the
First Congregational church none but
the happiest memories remain. II
was felt at the time Of Professor Rad
eliffe's death that it would be impos-
sible 10 fill his place. for his genius
had made him the favorite performer
OF the city. He was an enthusiastic
musician and a deep student of the
musical classics. An account of his
work, written in 1886. tells the story
Of a recital given on the COngrega-
tiOnal organ which was attended by
Mr. Holland of the Palmer company
After listening 20 the superb playing
OF the master, Mr., Palmer remarked:
What are We but a lot of mummies
compared with this man Radcliffe ]
and his mastery Of the instrument?
Faugh! II makes me sick OF my pro- |
fession 10 think OF 1t in comparison" |
Taught at Ogden.
Professor Radcliffe taught piano in /
Salt Lake and Ogden for years. At ]
one time he had more than seventy /
five pupils a week, TO whom he gave |
the most careful and painstaking in
struction.
Efforts made by The committee of /
the recently organized society have
met with gratifying success and a
large number Of names Is now on he
rolls. Others who have not vet regis
tered are requested 20 send their
names 10 any OF the members Of he
committee. II is composed Of Mrs
5. A s. Nelden. Miss Lillian Oliver
Mrs. c. G. Plummer. Joseph Peary
]. b. BerkhOel and DR.. A. J. Ridges
\
An association Of dentists atternpted /
the other day 10 pass a resolution TO
the effect that no one who did not have
good teeth should practice dentistry.
This was IN addition 70 the Qualffica-
ton that he must have a god knOwl-
edge OF dental surgery. In light OF the
fact that no limitation whatever is
placed upon anyone who wishes 70
teach music the following article from
The Rochester n. Y, Post Dispatch Is
Df interest.
'"Fhe law Will not permit a man 10
practise who has not mastered the nee
,ssary studies and passed the prescribed
examinations, These things indeed do
aot make him good lawyer. But they
10 the public that he has
earned the use OF the instruments OF
ais profession. So il is with medicine.