Webbe, Samuel (1740–1816)

English composer, known for his numerous ‘glees’ and ‘catches’ (both types of part-song), as well as some church music.

Webbe was born in London, and was employed as an organist at various embassies there from 1776. He became librarian of the Glee Club in 1787, and secretary of the Catch Club in 1794. His son Samuel (c.1770–1843) followed in his father's footsteps as a pianist, organist, and composer of glees and church music, and spent most of his life in Liverpool from 1798, returning briefly to London in 1817.

Webbe, Samuel (c. 1770–1843)

English pianist, organist, and composer, son and pupil of Samuel Webbe. He obtained the Catch Club prize in 1794 and won others later. He settled at Liverpool in 1798, returning briefly to London in 1817 to teach jointly with Logier. He became organist of the Spanish embassy chapel, but he returned to Liverpool, where he held several church organist posts.

Works operatic farce The Speechless Wife; motets, glees, songs.