An altar is a pile or structure raised above the ground for receiving sacrifices to some divinity. The Greek and Roman altars were various in form, and often highly ornamental; in temples they were usually placed before the statue of the god. In the Jewish ceremonial the altar held an important place, and was associated with many of the most significant rites of religion. Two altars were erected in the tabernacle in the wilderness, and the same number in the temple, according to instructions given to Moses in MountSinai. These were called the altar of burnt-offering and the altar of incense. In some sections of the Christian church the communion-table, or table on which the eucharist is placed, is called an altar. In the primitive church it was a table of wood, but subsequently stone and metal were introduced with rich ornaments, sculpture, and painting. After the introduction of Gothic art the altar frequently became a lofty and most elaborate structure. Originally there was but one altar in a church, but latterly there might be several in a large church, the chief or high altar standing at the east end. Over an altar there is often a painting (an altar-piece), and behind it there may be an ornamental altar-screen separating the choir from the east end of the church. Lights are often placed on or near the altar. Research Altar
A choir is a band or organised company of singers, especially in church service. The term is also used to describe that part of a church appropriated to the singers. Research Choir
A faldstool is a reading-desk used in Anglican and Roman Catholic churches during certain portions of the service. A kneeling shelf is attached to the lower part.
Originally a faldstool was a folding stool, or portable seat, made to fold up in the manner of a camo stool. It was formerly placed in the choir for a bishop, when he officiated in any but his own cathedralchurch. The term is also used to describe a small stool employed in the coronation service for the use of the sovereign when being crowned. Research Faldstool
Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan was an English composer. He was born in 1842 at London and died in 1900. He entered the Chapel Royal choir in 1854 and studied music at the Royal Academy of Music and at Leipzig between 1857 and 1861. He is best known as one half of the opera producing couple 'Gilbert and Sullivan', whose first joint work was the light opera 'Thespis' produced in 1871, and last work was 'Grand Duke' produced in 1896. Research Arthur Sullivan
Sir George Thomas Smart was an English musician. He was born in 1776 at London and died in 1867. He became a member of the Chapel Royal choir, and in 1791 a church organist at Hampstead Road. He played in a number of orchestras and in 1811 conducted a successful series of concerts in Dublin, where he was knighted by the lord-lieutenant. An original member of the Philharmonic Society, he conducted many of its concerts between 1813 and 1844, as well as musical festivals held all over the country, and taught music, among his pupils being Jenny Lind. Research George Smart
Ghirlandaio or Corradi Domenico was one of the older Florentine painters. He was born in 1450 at Florence and died in 1495. He was the son of a goldsmith known as Il Ghirlandaio (the garland-maker), from his skill in malting garlands. He was distinguished by his fertility of invention, a more natural rendering of life, and a more accurate perspective than his predecessors. Amongst his best works are the frescoes in the Sassetti Chapel of the TrinityChurch and in the choir of Santa Maria Novella at Florence, and the pictures in the Uffizi and the academy at Florence. Research Ghirlandaio
Giacomo Carissimi was an Italian composer. He was born in 1604 at Marino and died in 1674. In 1620 he was appointed conductor of the choir at Assisi, and in 1628 moved to Rome where he had a similar appointment at St Apollinaris. Research Giacomo Carissimi
Sir Joseph Barnby was an English musician. He was born in 1838 at York and died in 1896. In 1838 he entered the Minsterchoir and in 1854 went to the Royal Academy of Music in London. He is best known for forming the Barnby's Choir in 1867 which evolved into the Royal Choral Society. Research Joseph Barnby
Franz Joseph Haydn was an Austrian composer. He was born in 1732 at Rohrau and died in 1809. At the age of six he was sent to school at Haimburg, where he learned, among other things, singing and playing by rote. On account of the excellence of his voice he was appointed a choir-boy at St. Stephen's Church, Vienna. At the age of sixteen his voice began to break, and he lost his situation as a chorister. Having made the acquaintance of Metastasio, Porpora, and Cluck, Joseph Haydn gradually attracted public attention, was appointed organist to two churches, and obtained many pupils.
From 1761 to 1790 he was musical director to Prince Esterhazy, and composed during this period a great number of works, including some 120 symphonies for the orchestra, 12 operas, etc. In 1791 and 1794 he visited England, staying there nearly three years altogether, and writing his operaOrpheus and Eurydice. In 1798 he published his oratorio of the Creation, and in 1800 that of the Seasons. His old age was exempt from pecuniary troubles, and he was surrounded by appreciative friends. His last public appearance was at a performance of his Creation in 1808. Joseph Haydn's principal merit consists in his opening up a new development of instrumental composition, of which his 125 orchestral symphonies furnish abundant proof. He may be said to be the originator of the symphony and of the stringed quartette. Research Joseph Haydn
Richard Farrant was an English composers . Very little is known of his history. He was a gentleman of the chapel royal in 1564, and subsequently organist and choir-master. He is supposed to have died about 1580. His music, which is ecclesiastical, is distinguished by purity, simplicity, tenderness, and elevation. The anthems Call to Remembrance, and Hide not Thou Thy Face, composed by him, were well known and highly esteemed. Research Richard Farrant
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Altar
