John Isham (composer) facts for kids

John Isham (sometimes spelled John Isum) (born around 1680 – died 1726) was an English composer and organist. He was known for his beautiful church music and for playing the organ in important churches in London.

John Isham's Early Life and Career

John Isham was born around the year 1680. He studied at Merton College, Oxford, which is a famous university. After his studies, he moved to London.

In London, John Isham started working as an organist. He was the assistant organist at St Anne's Church in Westminster. He worked under another well-known musician named William Croft. In 1711, William Croft stepped down and John Isham took over as the main organist.

A few years later, in 1713, John Isham went back to Oxford. He helped William Croft with his final music exam for a special university degree. At the same time, John Isham also earned his own music degree, called a Bachelor of Music (Mus. Bac.).

Later Organist Roles

John Isham became the organist at St Andrew's, Holborn, in April 1718. The next year, he also became the organist at St Margaret's, Westminster. He held both of these important jobs until he passed away in June 1726. John Isham was buried in St. Margaret's Church.

His Music and Compositions

John Isham wrote several pieces of music. Two of his anthems, which are special songs for church services, were included in a collection by William Croft. These anthems were called Unto Thee, O Lord and O sing unto the Lord a new song.

Around 1710, John Isham worked with William Morley to publish a collection of songs. A famous writer named John Hawkins later printed one of Isham's duets, a song for two voices, in his book about music history. This duet was called Bury delights my roving eye. You can also find other songs by Isham (sometimes listed as Isum) in the British Library.