Stephen S. (Stephen Samuel) Stratton

Stephen Samuel Stratton was an English music critic, organist, and author, born in London on December 19, 1840, and died on June 25, 1906. He trained early as a chorister at St. Mary’s Church, Ealing, studied under Charles Lucas, and built his career from practical music-making as well as writing.

After moving to Birmingham in 1866, he became an important part of the city’s musical life. He served as an organist at several churches, organized chamber concerts, and from 1877 until his death worked as music critic for the Birmingham Post. That mix of performer, organizer, and critic gave his writing a grounded, informed tone.

He is remembered for books on major composers and musicians, including Mendelssohn and Nicolo Paganini: His Life and Work, and for co-authoring British Musical Biography with James D. Brown. His work still appeals to readers interested in clear, enthusiastic writing about nineteenth-century music and the people who shaped it.