Robert Archibald Smith
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Robert Archibald Smith (1780–1829) was a Scottish musical Romantic composer, known for his collection Scotish [sic] Minstrel, which began to appear in 1821.
He was born on 16 November 1780.[1]
He was the son of Robert Smith, a silk-weaver from East Kilbride who had moved to England, and was born at Reading, Berkshire on 16 November 1780; his mother was Ann Whitcher. He was apprenticed in silk-weaving, joined a church choir in Reading, and played in the band of a volunteer regiment. In 1800 the family moved to Paisley in Renfrewshire where father and son became muslin weavers.[2] Here he also became acquainted with Robert Tannahill with whom he began composing tunes to match his words.[1]
Smith joined a volunteer company, played in its band, and composed its marches and quick-steps. Becoming a teacher of music, he was in 1807 appointed leader of psalmody in Paisley Abbey. Robert Boog, the incumbent of the parish, introduced him to Walter Young, minister of Erskine, Renfrewshire, who helped him on harmony. In 1817 he conducted his first public performance of sacred music in the Abbey.[2]
In August 1823 Smith was appointed musical conductor (pre-cantor) in St. George's Church, Edinburgh, where the minister was Andrew Mitchell Thomson. Employed in teaching, composing, and editing, his health failed, and he died at home, a flat at 11 Melville Place, near Dean Bridge[3] in Edinburgh on 3 January 1829.[2]
He is buried in St Cuthbert's churchyard at the west end of Princes Street. The grave is marked by a small obelisk.[1]
