George Guest (English organist) facts for kids

George Guest (born in 1771, died in 1831) was a talented English organist and composer. He played the organ in churches and wrote many pieces of music.

Who Was George Guest?

George Guest was born in 1771 in a town called Bury St. Edmunds in England. His father, Ralph Guest, was also a musician and an organist. Ralph Guest moved to Bury St. Edmunds in 1768. He played the organ at St. Mary's church in the town from 1805 to 1822. Ralph Guest also wrote some songs.

Early Life and Musical Training

As a young boy, George Guest was a chorister for the Chapels Royal. A chorister is a singer in a church choir. He might have been a main singer at the Hereford musical festival in 1783. At this festival, he sang in famous musical works, including Handel's Messiah.

A Career as an Organist

George Guest started his career as an organist at a young age.

• In 1787, he became the organist in Eye, Suffolk.
• Two years later, in 1789, he moved to Wisbech in Cambridgeshire.
• He became the organist at St. Peter's church in Wisbech.
• He worked there for a long time, from 1789 until he passed away in 1831.

George Guest died in Wisbech on September 11, 1831, when he was 60 years old.

George Guest's Music

George Guest was a busy composer. He wrote many different types of music.

• He composed four fugues and sixteen voluntaries for the organ.
  • A fugue is a type of musical piece where different parts play the same tune, but starting at different times.
  • A voluntary is a piece of music often played on the organ in a church, usually before or after a service.
• He also wrote two cantatas: 'The Afflicted African' and 'The Dying Christian'.
  • A cantata is a piece of music for singers and instruments.
• He created three quartets for flute and strings.
• He wrote three duets for two cellos.
• He composed pieces for military bands.
• He also wrote hymns, glees, and songs.
  • A glee is a type of song for three or more voices, usually without instruments.

Family Connections

It is thought that two other musicians were related to George Guest.

• John Guest was a music teacher in Bury around 1795.
• Jane Mary Guest, later Mrs. Miles, was a pianist and composer. She also taught music to Princess Charlotte of Wales.