A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Guest, Ralph
GUEST, RALPH, was born in 1743 at Basely, Shropshire. At a very early age he became a member of the choir in the church of his native place. On attaining his majority he came to London and engaged in commercial pursuits; but the love of music induced him to enter in addition the choir of Portland Chapel. After five years he removed to Bury St. Edmunds, and entered into business on his own account. From Ford, organist of St. James's Church, Bury, he learned organ-playing, and in 1805 was appointed choir-master at St. Mary's there, and later, on the erection of an organ there, its organist. He then devoted himself entirely to the profession of music. He published 'The Psalms of David,' arranged for every day in the month, retaining many of the old psalm tunes and adding about sixty new ones. He subsequently published a supplement under the title of 'Hymns and Psalms,' with music composed and adapted by him. He also composed many songs. He resigned his appointment as organist in 1822, and died, at the advanced age of 88 years, in June 1830.
His son, George, was born at Bury St. Edmunds in 1771. He was initiated in music by his father, and subsequently became a chorister of the Chapel Royal under Dr. Nares and Dr. Ayrton. On the breaking of his voice he obtained in 1787 the appointment of organist at Eye, Suffolk, but gave it up in 1789 for that at Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, which he held during the remainder of his life. His compositions include anthems, hymns, glees, duets, songs, organ pieces, and pieces for a military band. He died at Wisbech, Sept. 10, 1831.[ W. H. H. ]