Raynor Taylor (1747-1825) - Sonata in D Major (c.1780)

Happy birthday Raynor Taylor! 🎹🎻

Composer: Raynor Taylor (1747-1825)
Work: Sonata in D Major from 'Six sonatas for the harpsichord or piano forte with an accompaniment for a violoncello' (c.1780)
Performers: John Mеtz (fortepiano); Barbara Bailеy-Mеtz (cello)

Sonata in D Major (c.1780)
1. Allegro 0:00
2. Andante 5:28
3. Allegro moderato 7:25

Painting: Johan Joseph Zoffany (1733-1810) - The Gore Family with George, 3rd Earl Cowper (c.1775)
HD image: https://flic.kr/p/Jjwrqp
Drawing: Joseph Adolf Schmetterling (1751-1828) - Musicerend paar in interieur (1782)
HD image: https://flic.kr/p/2rHETjj

Further info: https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/26647103
Listen free: No available

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Raynor (Rayner) Taylor
(London, 27 November 1747 - Philadelphia, 17 August 1825)

English organist, teacher, composer and singer active in the USA. He began his career as a chorister in the Chapel Royal, where anecdotal evidence suggests that he sang at the funeral for George Frederick Handel, allegedly falling into that composer’s grave. His main teacher was Samuel Arnold, under whose patronage he became director at the Sadler’s Wells theatre and at the Marlyebone concerts. He also held the post of organist at the church in Chelmsford. In 1792 he followed his pupil Alexander Reinagle to the United States, where he settled in Baltimore and Annapolis before moving to Philadelphia in 1795. There he obtained the post of organist at St. Peter’s Church, although he also contributed to the public concerts and the Chestnut Street theatre productions. He helped found the Musical Fund Society in 1820 and served as one of its directors. As a performer he was noted for his organ improvisations as well as for his renditions of comic theatre songs. His works include 26 operas, at least three symphonies, and a number of keyboard works, including a divertimento. He was noted for his facile abilities to create memorable melodies.