James G. Barnett was active as a composer, conductor, and organist in Connecticut during the latter half of the nineteenth century. He was born in England, but his date of birth is not known. He arrived in Boston around 1845. The Center Church in Hartford quickly appointed him organist, a position that he held until 1867. Barnett also played a major role in Hartford's concert life. In 1857 he helped found the Beethoven Society, serving as the group's conductor until 1874. Under his leadership, the Society cultivated a diverse repertoire, including Mendelssohn's Elijah, Handel's Samson, Haydn's The Creation, Weber's Oberon, and Rossini's Stabat Mater .
In 1867, Yale College awarded him an honorary doctorate in music. Barnett moved to New Haven around 1875, becoming the organist at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. A heart ailment forced him to withdraw from that position. During his convalescence, he completed The Voice in Praise, a collection of hymns and anthems. Having recuperated, he accepted the organist post at the Second Congregational Church in Fair Haven, which he held until his death in 1885.
Barnett concentrated on vocal music, writing numerous pieces for church services. The Voice in Praise, which contains pieces that can be used in a variety of liturgical contexts, represents the culmination of these efforts. In addition, Barnett composed many large-scale sacred works, notably Life of the Blessed and Christ's Resurrection and Ascension . His secular vocal output includes two operas: The Magician and The Triumph of Spring . Barnett also published The Eclectic Teacher for the Parlor Organ, an instruction manual for the beginning and intermediate student.
From the guide to the The James G. Barnett Papers, 1845-1896 (inclusive), (Irving S. Gilmore Music Library, Yale University)
