John Sale facts for kids

John Sale (born 1758, died 1827) was a talented English musician. He was known for his deep bass voice, especially in church music. He also sang and wrote special songs called glees. Glees are a type of English song for several voices, usually sung without instruments.

Life of a Musician

John Sale was born in London in 1758. When he was young, from 1767 to 1775, he sang in the choir at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle and Eton College. A chorister is someone who sings in a choir, often a young person. Later, he became a "lay vicar" at both places. This meant he was a singer who wasn't a priest, but still part of the church's musical staff. He held these roles from 1777 to 1796.

John Sale's musical career grew. In 1788, he became a "gentleman" of the Chapel Royal. This is a group of singers who perform for the British monarch. In 1795, he became a "vicar choral" at St Paul's Cathedral. This was another important singing role in a major church. The next year, in 1796, he also became a lay vicar at Westminster Abbey.

In 1800, John Sale took on even bigger roles at St Paul's Cathedral. He became the "Almoner" and "Master of the Choristers." As Master of the Choristers, he was in charge of training the young choir singers. He kept these jobs until 1812. By 1818, he was the most senior gentleman of the Chapel Royal. Because of this, he no longer had to perform or attend duties.

John Sale was a very busy singer. He performed as a solo artist and with groups at many concerts and church music festivals. From 1789 to 1814, he often appeared in the programs for the "Concerts of Antient Music." These concerts featured older, classical music.

He was also very interested in glee-singing. He led the Glee Club, a group dedicated to this type of music. In 1785, he became an honorary member of the Noblemen and Gentlemen's Catch Club, which also focused on glees and similar songs. In 1812, he became the secretary of this club. Many people wanted John Sale to teach them how to sing.

John Sale passed away in Westminster on November 11, 1827. He was buried at St Paul's Cathedral.

People who knew him spoke highly of his musical talents. One review said he had excellent judgment in music, especially singing. They noted his "rich, full and mellow bass voice." Another review mentioned his "smooth, agreeable voice" and how he used it well. He was a valuable part of the popular glee parties of his time.

Musical Family

John Sale's musical talent ran in his family. Two of his sons also became musicians.

• John Bernard Sale (1779–1856) was a bass singer, just like his father. He also worked as an organist at St Margaret's, Westminster.
• George Charles Sale (1796–1869) became an organist too. He played at St Mary's, Newington, and later at St George's, Hanover Square.

His granddaughter, Lydia Sophia Sale (died 1869), also composed music. She was an assistant organist at St Margaret's, Westminster.

Composing Music

Around 1800, John Sale published a book called A Collection of New Glees. This book included six of his own original songs for three or four voices. Some of these glees were titled: "My Phillida, adieu," "Thyrsis, the music of that murmuring spring," and "With my jug of brown ale." He also helped to edit and publish glees written by Lord Mornington.