Joseph Cox Bridge, Dictionary of National Biography… (1912)
“ A self-educated musician, who was never a cathedral chorister nor studied in any particular school, Hiles showed as a teacher and writer remarkable modern tendencies. He had little respect for the old contrapuntists or the mere philosophic 'theory' of harmony. ”
Joseph Cox Bridge, Dictionary of National Biography… (1912)
“ A chorister in Norwich Cathedral 1846-8, he joined the choir of Rochester Cathedral in 1848 on the appointment of his father as bass lay clerk there. Possessed of a beautiful voice, he achieved great success as solo boy, and on retiring from the choir in 1850 received a public testimonial. Determined to follow the profession of music, he was articled in 1850 to John Larkin Hopkins [q. v.] , organist of Rochester Cathedral, and up to 1856 acted as his assistant, at the same time serving as organist of Milton Church, Gravesend. ”
Joseph Cox Bridge, Dictionary of National Biography… (1912)
“ Hopkins was an excellent organist and a fine extemporaneous player. His compositions, though neither numerous nor of large calibre, are always melodious and pleasing. His anthems 'Out of the Deep' and 'God is gone up' won the Gresham prize medals in 1838 and 1840 respectively. ”
