Henry Blagrove (violinist)
Encyclopedia
Henry Gamble Blagrove was a celebrated English violin
ist. A child prodigy, he began studying the violin at the age of 4 and performing in public concerts at the age of 5. In 1822 he became one of the first students admitted to the newly established Royal Academy of Music
. In 1833-1834 he pursued further studies in Germany with Louis Spohr
in Kassel and Bernhard Molique in Stuttgart. He served as concertmaster
and soloist with the Royal Philharmonic Society
(appointed 1834) and the orchestra at the Royal Opera House
, Covent Garden
for several decades. He was also a frequent guest soloist or concertmaster with orchestras in England's provincial music festivals from the 1830s through the 1860s. The last years of his life were spent battling a variety of illnesses. He died of pneumonia
.
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
ist. A child prodigy, he began studying the violin at the age of 4 and performing in public concerts at the age of 5. In 1822 he became one of the first students admitted to the newly established Royal Academy of Music
Royal Academy of Music
The Royal Academy of Music in London, England, is a conservatoire, Britain's oldest degree-granting music school and a constituent college of the University of London since 1999. The Academy was founded by Lord Burghersh in 1822 with the help and ideas of the French harpist and composer Nicolas...
. In 1833-1834 he pursued further studies in Germany with Louis Spohr
Louis Spohr
Louis Spohr was a German composer, violinist and conductor. Born Ludewig Spohr, he is usually known by the French form of his name. Described by Dorothy Mayer as "The Forgotten Master", Spohr was once as famous as Beethoven. As a violinist, his virtuoso playing was admired by Queen Victoria...
in Kassel and Bernhard Molique in Stuttgart. He served as concertmaster
Concertmaster
The concertmaster/mistress is the spalla or leader, of the first violin section of an orchestra. In the UK, the term commonly used is leader...
and soloist with the Royal Philharmonic Society
Royal Philharmonic Society
The Royal Philharmonic Society is a British music society, formed in 1813. It was originally formed in London to promote performances of instrumental music there. Many distinguished composers and performers have taken part in its concerts...
(appointed 1834) and the orchestra at the Royal Opera House
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London. The large building is often referred to as simply "Covent Garden", after a previous use of the site of the opera house's original construction in 1732. It is the home of The Royal Opera, The...
, Covent Garden
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a district in London on the eastern fringes of the West End, between St. Martin's Lane and Drury Lane. It is associated with the former fruit and vegetable market in the central square, now a popular shopping and tourist site, and the Royal Opera House, which is also known as...
for several decades. He was also a frequent guest soloist or concertmaster with orchestras in England's provincial music festivals from the 1830s through the 1860s. The last years of his life were spent battling a variety of illnesses. He died of pneumonia
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung—especially affecting the microscopic air sacs —associated with fever, chest symptoms, and a lack of air space on a chest X-ray. Pneumonia is typically caused by an infection but there are a number of other causes...
.