Felton, William

Felton, William, English organist, harpsichordist, composer, and clergyman; b. Dray ton, Shropshire, 1715;d. Hereford, Dec. 6, 1769. He was educated at St. John’s Coll., Cambridge (B.A., 1738; M.A., 1743). In 1742 he was ordained a priest. In 1743 he became vicar-choral and sub-chanter at Hereford Cathedral; in 1760 he was made a minor canon. His mastery as a keyboard artist is revealed in his 32 keyboard concertos (London, 1744–60) and his 16 harpsichord suites (2 vols., London, 1750, 1758).

—Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

Felton, William (b Drayton, 1715; d Hereford, 1769). Eng. composer, organist, harpsichordist, and Anglican clergyman (vicar-choral, Hereford Cath.). His popular hpd. gavotte was adapted for the song ‘Farewell Manchester’. Comp. 32 concs. for org. or hpd.