Francis Cunningham Woods

Francis Cunningham Woods (29 August 186221 September 1929) was an Oxford academic, composer, author, organist, Together with the composer John Stainer, he was the author of the series The Village Organist (first published in 1897), which contained scores for organ.

Biography Francis Cunningham Woods studied at Oxford University, where he obtained a B.A. in 1889, an M.A. in 1890, and a Mus.B. in 1891. He was a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists. He studied at the National Training School, Kensington, London, from 18771880, where he studied under Arthur Sullivan and Ebenezer Prout, He was organist of Brasenose College, Oxford, from 1884 to 1886; organ scholar of Exeter College, Oxford, (18871895). He had a brother, William Maitland Woods, who also studied at Oxford, and who emigrated to Australia, where he was rector of Thursday Island, Queensland.

Woods died in hospital at Chartham, Kent on 21 September 1929, and left £4082 in his will to Charlotte, his widow.

Selected works

Grand March for organ. Public school songs "Play Hard for the School"; "A Fives Song". Arrangements of George Elvey's Festal March and a march by Handel. Minuet and trio for orchestra. King Harold (cantata, Crystal Palace, 6 June 1896). A Greyport Legend for men's chorus, with solo bass, and orchestra. Lie down, poor heart (madrigal). Carmen Exoniense (Exeter College song). Six songs, op. 1. Incidental music to Two Gentlemen of Verona (Oxford, 1893). Incidental music to The Tempest (Oxford, January 1894). Suite in D for string orchestra in C minor. Romance in F for violin and orchestra. Romance in G for violin, organ, and piano. Music for church services.