John Keeble (1711 - 1786): Double Fugue in C Major

John Keeble was for many years organist at the prestigious St George's Church, Hanover Square, London. He was widely regarded as one of the finest performers of his day, although it was noted he played in a old fashioned style.

He was born in Chichester and received his early musical education as a chorister at the cathedral under Thomas Kelway. Moving to London, he became a pupil of Johann Christoph Pepusch (1667 - 1752) studying composition which (with Pepusch) included mastering a thorough understanding of ancient Greek musical theory and the tetrachord. Keeble became keenly interested in the relationship between mathematics and music which dates back to his training under Dr Pepusch. Keeble's ideas are set out in his published book "Theory of Harmonics". He also published several organ pieces in 1780.

Keeble was appointed the first organist at Ranelagh Gardens when it opened in 1742 where he performed popular music. In 1744, probably on the recommendation of G. F. Handel, he was appointed assistant organist to Thomas Roseingrave at St Geoge's. Roseingrave was becoming increasingly mentally ill and Keeble eventually succeeded him when he retired to Ireland.

For most of the time, Keeble lived in Hanover Street, later moving to Conduit Street. His daughter, Sally, was born in 1757. Six months before John Keeble's death, Sally married Thomas Hamilton, a captain in the Royal Navy who later rose to be a vice-admiral.

Keeble died at his house in Conduit Street on 24th December, 1786. In his will, he asked to be buried next to his wife in Ramsholt, Suffolk.