John Weeks Moore

“ At the same time that he was greatly distinguishing himself as a polemical writer, a polite scholar, a theologian, a profound critic, an architect, and a man of sound judgment and exquisite taste in arts, science, and literature in general, he became so profound and skilled in the theory and practice of harmony, that his compositions, particularly for the church, equal in number and excellence those of the greatest masters of his time. ”

“ Indeed, without neglecting more important concerns, he seems to have interested himself in the cultivation and prosperity of the musical art, with as much zeal and diligence as if his studies and pursuits had been circumscribed to that alone. ”

“ Aldrich enriched the cathedrals with many admirable compositions, by adapting English words, from the psalms or liturgy, to anthems and motets of Tallis, Bird, Palestrina, Carissimi, Graziani, and Bassani, which were originally set to Latin words, for the Roman Catholic service. Among his compositions of a lighter kind, he amused himself' with setting rounds and catches, of which eight or ten are inserted in the two books of the "Catch Club," or " Merry Companion." The smoking catch, "Good ! good indeed," and the round, "Hark the bonny Christchurch Bells," have been always admired ”