Richard John Samuel Stevens

Richard John Samuel Stevens (27 March 1757 – 23 September 1837) was an English composer and organist. He composed some highly regarded English glees, and wrote a number of volumes of recollections, diaries and other literary material that provides valuable background on the musical life of late 18th century and early 19th century England. He bridges the gap between old Handel and Queen Victoria.

Biography Stevens was born at Little Bell Alley, just off Coleman Street in London, and was apprenticed to William Savage, Master of the Boys at St Paul's Cathedral until his voice broke in 1773. He took up various organ and technig jobs until his first official appointment, as organist of St Michael's Cornhill in May 1781. In 1786 he succeeded John Stanley as organist at Temple Church, and in 1796 succeeded John Jones as organist of Charterhouse. Many of these positions were held simultaneously. In 1808 he received yet another appointment, as music master at Christ's Hospital. Besides being valuable in themselves, these appointments helped him to attract the wealthy pupils on whom his living substantially depended.

In 1810 Stevens married Anna Jeffery, after a long courtship; in 1811 they had a son, Richard George, who entered Gray's Inn in 1834. He embarked on the life of a gentleman of leisure, made possible by a substantial bequest from one of his father’s friends in 1817. He died, aged 80, at his wife's old home at Peckham, and was buried in the cloisters at London Charterhouse.