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William Duncombe

1730 – 1818

British composer

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About William Duncombe

Lived 1730 – 1818 (aged 87–88). William Duncombe was a British composer and organist.

William Duncombe (ca. 1736-1738 – 30 November 1818, or 1819) was an English composer. He was an organist in Kensington.

He is mainly known by a few small piano pieces (especially a Sonatina in C Major and the Fanfare or Fanfare Minuet) that are still reprinted in pedagogical collections. They are probably excerpts of the Progressive lessons for the harpsichord and piano forte, published in 1778 (or 1785).

Duncombe is frequently confused with the writer William Duncombe (1690 – 1769).

Works First Book of Progressive Lessons for the Harpsichord and Piano Forte – London : J. Bland, n.d. Second Book of Twelve Progressive Lessons for the Harpsichord or Piano Forte – London : J. Bland, n.d. The Favorite Air, of God save the King, with variations for two performers on one piano forte, or harpsichord – London, An hymn to be sung by the charity children of Kensington, at their parish church, on Sunday, 15 December 1793, after a sermon preached in the Morning by the Rev. Archer Thompson, A.B. Chaplain to the Bishop of Bristol, Joint Morning Preacher of Portman Chapel and St. James's Chapel, Tottenham-Court-Road, and Vicar of Thatcham, Berks. The Music by Mr. Duncombe − [London]: Martin, Kensington, What tho' the sun withdraws his ray – London, n.d. [1760?]

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Important facts

Born
1730
Birth century
Died
1818
Occupation
Nationality

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Duncombe's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Duncombe?

British composer

When was William Duncombe born?

William Duncombe was born in 1730.

When did William Duncombe die?

William Duncombe died in 1818.

What was William Duncombe's occupation?

William Duncombe was a composer and organist.

What nationality was William Duncombe?

William Duncombe was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Duncombe

· Wikidata: Q8008118

· DBpedia: William Duncombe (composer)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Duncombe. https://biography.guide/william-duncombe/

MLA: "William Duncombe." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-duncombe/.

Chicago: "William Duncombe." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-duncombe/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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