Stanley Six Solos for a German Flute or Violin Op 4

Charles John Stanley (1712-1786) was an English composer and organist.

John Stanley was born in London on 17 January 1712. He became almost blind due to an accident at a young age. He started learning music at seven under the guidance of Maurice Greene, the composer and organist at St. Paul’s Cathedral. At nine, he played the organ occasionally at All Hallows, Bread Street, and at eleven, he became the church’s organist with a salary of £20 per annum.

Aged fourteen, he was chosen as the organist at St. Andrew Holborn. At seventeen, he became the youngest person to obtain a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Oxford. Stanley was appointed organist to the Society of the Inner Temple in 1734, a position he held until his death in 1786. His remarkable organ and harpsichord playing at the ancient Temple Church attracted attention, including that of George Frideric Handel.

Despite his visual impairment, Stanley had an excellent memory, which he used to direct Handel’s oratorios and engage in music-making and card games with friends. He married Sarah Arlond in 1738, bringing him a dowry of £7,000 annually. Stanley frequently played the organ at Vauxhall Gardens and performed at charity events and organ inaugurations. He also taught and composed works like the oratorio Jephthah in 1757.

After Handel’s death in 1759, Stanley partnered with other composers to continue the oratorio performances at Covent Garden. He composed various works and odes and was involved with the Foundling Hospital, following in Handel’s footsteps. Stanley passed away at 74 on 19 May 1786, leaving behind an extensive collection of compositions, including opera, cantatas, oratorios, and instrumental music.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Stanley_(composer)