‘Surrounded by music from the first’

Chapter 1 covers Roberts’ early life, education, musical training, and first organist posts in the context of life in Yorkshire in the second quarter of the nineteenth century. It discusses his time as a pupil teacher at the local school in Stanningley, and his two years at college in York, with a short study of the subsequent careers of his fellow students. The chapter continues with a description of his first application for the post of organist and choirmaster at Halifax Parish Church, an analysis of the other applicants, and the criteria used for the selection of Henry Moore, the successful candidate. It concludes with a discussion of Roberts’ time as organist of St Bartholomew’s, Armley, his work as ‘professor of music’, his marriage, and fatherhood.