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The organist and writer William Spark (1823–97) is best remembered for his active role in the Leeds musical scene, notably his involvement in the People's Concerts and the Leeds Festival. Spark had been articled to the organist and composer Samuel Sebastian Wesley in 1840 and accompanied him when he moved to Leeds two years later. Following several posts as an organist, he worked with Henry Smart on the design of the organ for Leeds town hall in 1858, giving regular recitals on it thereafter. He wrote on a wide variety of musical topics and the present work, first published in 1888, brings together his personal reminiscences and anecdotes. The pen portraits of eminent musicians - including conductor Sir Michael Costa, composer Felix Mendelssohn and soprano Adelina Patti - offer a remarkably informed insight into the development of musical culture in the nineteenth century.
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