Thomas Foster Barham (musician) facts for kids
Thomas Foster Barham (1766–1844) was an English musician and writer. He was known for his musical compositions and various writings.
His Life Story
Early Life and Education
Thomas Foster Barham was born in Bedford, England, on October 8, 1766. He was the third son of Joseph Foster. His father later changed his last name to Barham in 1750. This was done because of a special law and a family will. His family had wealth from sugar plantations in western Jamaica.
Thomas went to St. John's College, Cambridge, in 1784. He studied there but did not finish his degree. After college, he traveled around Europe.
Career and Family
When he returned to England, Thomas worked with a trading company called Plummer & Co.. However, he became unwell and had to leave London. He moved to the West of England. He eventually settled in Leskinnick, near Penzance, Cornwall.
In 1790, Thomas married Mary Ann Morton. She was the oldest daughter of Reverend Joshua Morton. Thomas and Mary Ann had six children together. Some of their notable children included Charles, Francis, Thomas, and William.
Thomas Foster Barham passed away in Leskinnick on February 25, 1844.
His Creative Works
Thomas Foster Barham was a talented writer and composer. Here are some of his published works:
- Letter from a Trinitarian to a Unitarian, Penzance, 1811.
- Musical Meditations, consisting of original compositions, vocal and instrumental, Lond. 1811, 2nd set 1815. (These were his own musical pieces for singing and instruments.)
- Abdallah or the Arabian Martyr, a Christian drama in three acts [and in verse], Lond. 1820, 2nd edit., Penzance, 1821. (A Christian play written as a poem.)
- Elijah, a sacred poem in four cantos, Lond. 1822. (A long religious poem.)
- Colonel Gardiner, a Christian drama in three parts, Lond. 1823. (Another Christian play.)
- Pergolesi's celebrated Stabat Mater or Calvary; with English words written for the purpose, substituted in the place of the ancient Latin verses, and the instrumental parts arranged for the organ or pianoforte, &c., 1829. (He adapted a famous musical work by Pergolesi, changing the Latin words to English and arranging the music for organ or piano.)
- Lander Africanus. A musical drama, Penzance, 1834. (A play with music.)
- Reliquiæ Seriæ, or Christian Musings. By Ἐλάχιστος, Lond. 1836. (Christian thoughts and reflections.)
