Joseph Gibbs

Gibbs, whose portrait by Gainsborough hangs in the National Portrait Gallery, was a member of the Ipswich Musical Society. (Gainsborough was also a member.) Beginning his organ playing career with St. Nicholas' Church in Harwich, he proceeded to the position of organist in Dedham, Essex. The "Eight Solos For a Violin with a Thorough Bass for the Harpsichord" (his most important collection) illustrate the influence of Geminiani, Veracini and Festing in their chromaticism, demanding technicality and complex passages. Much of his other music was admired for ease, modesty and conventionality. ~ Keith Johnson