A renowned Baroque-era musician, he composed sacred music and anthems, and held prominent positions at English cathedrals. His works showcase intricate harmonies and counterpoint.
Capel Bond, a renowned English organist and composer, was born on December 14, 1730, in Gloucester, England. The younger brother of painter and japanner Daniel Bond, Capel received his education at the Crypt school under the guidance of his uncle, Rev. Daniel Bond, and later became apprentice to the organist of Gloucester Cathedral, Martin Smith, at the age of twelve.
Bond's career took off in 1749 when he moved to Coventry, where he became organist of two prominent churches, St Michael and All Angels (later Coventry Cathedral) and Holy Trinity Church, Coventry. His exceptional talent and dedication earned him an additional 10 pounds per annum as a compliment from 1770.
Bond played a pivotal role in fostering musical life in the Midlands, directing the Coventry Musical Society in grand performances of Handel's Messiah and Samson, as well as organizing concerts and participating in festivals in Coventry and Birmingham.
Bond's most notable composition is his collection of Six Concertos in Seven Parts, published in London in 1766. This work showcases four concerti grossi and a concerto each for bassoon and trumpet, demonstrating his mastery of the concerto grosso genre and his affinity for the works of prominent English composers such as Handel, John Stanley, and Francesco Geminiani.
Capel Bond's contributions to music in the Midlands had a lasting impact on the region's cultural landscape. His compositions, although not as widely known today, offer a glimpse into the refined taste and technical skill of an 18th-century English composer.
In 1768, Bond married Ann Spooner, daughter of Abraham Spooner and his second wife, Anne Birch, at Holy Trinity Church, Coventry. Ann's cousin, Sarah Sebright, 6th Baroness Sebright, noted that Bond's marriage was a surprise, given his unassuming nature.
Capel Bond passed away on February 14, 1790, and was buried at St Bartholomew's Church, Binley, Coventry. His tombstone serves as a testament to his life's work, dedicating his legacy to posterity.
Capel Bond's life and works provide valuable insight into the world of 18th-century English music, a period marked by the rise of orchestral composition and the emergence of new musical forms. As a composer, organist, and director, Bond played a significant role in shaping the musical landscape of the Midlands, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and delight music lovers today.
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