John Reading

As an organist for Dulwich College and St. John's in Hackney Reading was known for his skill and versatility. His playing manner, however, was too light for worship services at Hackney. He was dismissed and subsequently gained employment in London at the combined churches of St. Mary Woolnoth and St. Mary Woolchurch Haw as well as St. Dunstan's-in-the-West. Reading held these positions until his death. He was not only known for his playing skills but also for compositions which included anthems, transcriptions, many of which he copied three times with three different sets of ornaments, and keyboard compositions for the organ and for the harpsichord. Reading's first publication was "A Book of New Songs" influenced by Italian methods which he hoped would stimulate English musicians to progress in their writing skills. Organ compositions by Reading are worthy of attention. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi