Philip Hart (organist)

Philip Hart (1674 or 1676 – 18 July 1749) was an English organist and composer.

His father, James Hart (1647–1718), was a gentleman of the Chapel Royal, chorister of Westminster Abbey, and a composer.

On 28 May 1724 he was elected the first organist of St Dionis Backchurch.

[1][2][3] Hart was said by the writer John Hawkins to have been a sound musician, but to have "entertained little relish" for innovations.

Hawkins also described Hart's frequent use of the "shake" in playing, and recorded how he was wont to discourse on music at Thomas Britton's house in the company of Handel, Pepusch and others.