Biography
Details regarding the composer's personal history remain scarce. He likely served as organist in Sedgefield while producing works devoid of innovative technique. In the manner of Avison, he reinforced the harpsichord line with strings or permitted the strings periods of silence. Garth's trio sonata for two violins, cello and harpsichord displays these same traits. Most of his sonatas contain two movements, opening with a fast section and closing with a minuet. The music conveys sincerity and modesty through transparent notation that remains energetic and smoothly paced. The major works concentrate chiefly on the cello, rather than on strings or harpsichord, and present melodies that surpass the occasionally clichéd character of his concertos.