Reginald Spofforth

Who was Reginald Spofforth?

Reginald Spofforth was an English musician. He was born in Southwell, Nottinghamshire but moved to London around 1790. He was active as an organist, conductor and music teacher, but he is best remembered as a composer. His best known works are the glees Hail Smiling Morn and Hark! the Lark at Heaven's Gate Sings, which are included in a number of recent collections of part-songs.

He composed about 75 glees, also three books of nursery rhyme settings and many songs and duets, including songs for various stage performances at Covent Garden in the 1790s. Two elaborate hymns were published in John Page's 'A Collection of Hymns', dated 21st and 28th October 1804 respectively. He is thought not to have composed any instrumental music.

His brother Samuel was cathedral organist at Peterborough and Lichfield, and composed chants and cathedral music.