Haldane Stewart

Haldane Campbell Stewart (28 February 1868 – 14 June 1942) was an English musician, composer and cricketer. He was organist and choirmaster of Magdalen College, Oxford, and a composer known for his liturgical music. He played first-class cricket as a batsman for the Kent County Cricket Club.

Life and career Stewart was born in Notting Hill, London, on 28 February 1868. He was the youngest of four sons born to John Stewart and Anne Winslow. Stewart's father, John Stewart, was the sixth Baron Appin, and a barrister of Lincoln's Inn. As a boy in 1879, Stewart sang as a chorister in the chapel of Magdalen College, Oxford, under Walter Parratt. Stewart remained in the choir until 1882. He returned to Magdalen as a classics exhibitioner from 1887 to 1891, and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1893.

Stewart played in the cricket XI at Magdalen from 1890 to 1891. He played in 75 first-class cricket matches as a batsman, mainly for Kent County Cricket Club, between 1892 and 1903, scoring 2,829 runs at a batting average of 22.63. He toured the United States with the Kent team under the captaincy of Cuthbert Burnup in 1903, scored 142 at Lord's against MCC in 1897 and made 203 not out for Blackheath against Granville, Lee. He was also known for his fielding ability and took 41 catches in first-class cricket. In 1919, he took up the post of organist and informator choristarum (organist and choirmaster) of Magdalen College, Oxford University, and was choragus of the university. but returned to this post in 1941 due to McKie's wartime service with the Royal Air Force.

Stewart was married to Elinor Dorothy Hunt. While in Tonbridge, their daughter Jean was born in 1914. Three years later in 1917, their son Lorn Alastair was born. As a family, they played as a string quartet, with Stewart playing viola, Elinor playing cello, and with Jean and Lorn playing first and second violin, respectively. Stewart's daughter Jean Stewart (1914–2002) was a noted concert performer on viola, performing as a soloist, and in chamber music and orchestras. She performed with the Menges Quartet, the London Bach Orchestra and the English Baroque Soloists. Stewart's son Lorn Alastair Stewart ("Johnnie Stewart") (1917–2005), became a radio and television producer for the BBC, and went on the create and produce the BBC television music programme, Top of the Pops.

Works

Published compositions

Choral Psalm 147 O praise to the Lord Te Deum Patrem Two Hymns. 1. Holy Father, cheer our way. 2. Christ is our Corner-Stone (1905) May Christ, our Saviour. Hymn for those at sea (1917) words by C. Lowry On Christmas Morn, the Tale is told. [carolette] (1925) Words by R. W. Macan On this Day Earth Shall Ring [carol] (1934) The Winds at Bethlehem. [carol] (1936) Words by W. M. Letts Penned are the Sheep. [carol] (1936) Words by R. K. Davis Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in A minor (1940) King of Glory. [anthem] In Camp. (1901) [Song and chorus.] Words by W. M. Gordon The Song Cycle of Aucassin & Nicolete. Words by A. Lang and G. Tomson (1906)

Select discography On This Day Earth Shall Ring. Lichfield Cathedral Choir. Alpha Collection Vol 10: Advent and Christmas. Priory Records 109. (2007) Psalm 147 O praise to the Lord. Evensong for St. Cecilia. Priory Records 749