John Baptiste Calkin was an English composer, organist and music teacher.
Background
He was born in London on 16 March 1827, the son of James Calkin (1786–1862), composer and pianist. Reared in a musical atmosphere, he studied music under his father, and his three brothers, Joseph, James, and George, also adopted the profession.
Career
When nineteen Calkin was appointed organist, precentor, and choirmaster of Street Columba"s College, Dublin, in succession to Edwin George Monk. From 1846 to 1853, Calkin maintained a high standard of choral music at Saint Columba"s, and he cultivated composition. From 1853 to 1863 he was organist and choirmaster of Woburn Chapel, London.
From 1863 to 1868 organist of Camden Road Chapel.
And from 1870 to 1884 organist at Saint Thomas"s Church, Camden Town. In 1883, Calkin became professor at the Guildhall School of Music under Thomas Henry Weist-Hill, and concentrated on teaching and composing.
Calkin died at Hornsey Rise Gardens on 15 April 1905, and was buried in Highgate cemetery.
Views
Quotations:
"Jesu, most loving God".
Membership
He was on the council of Trinity College, London, a member of the Philharmonic Society (1862), and a fellow of the College of Organists, incorporated in 1893.