The British Musical Biography

[E] Leslie, Henry David, conductor and
composer, born in London, June 18, 1822.
Studied under Charles Lucas, from 1838, and
for some time played as an amateur violon-
cellist in the band of the Sacred Harmonic
Society. When the Aanateur Musical Society
was formed, in 1847, he was appointed Hon.
Sec, and from 1855 to 1861, when the Society
was dissolved, he was its conductor. The
famous choir, with which his name was so
intimately associated, originated with Joseph
Heming, who for many years acted as chorus-
master. The first concert was given in the
Hanover Square Rooms, INIay 22, 1856. Mr.
Leslie continued to conduct the concerts up
to July 12, 1880, when the choir was disbanded.
He went with the choir to Paris, in 1878, and
gained the first prize in the International
competition. The choir was resuscitated in
1882, with Mr. Randegger as conductor, and
Leslie as president. The latter again assumed
the direction in 1885, and gave concerts to
May, 1887. In 1863 he undertook the con-
ductorship of the Hereford Philharmonic
Society, an office he retained until 1889. He
was also connected with the short-li\ed Nat-
ional College of Music, 1864 ; and the GVuild
of Amateur Musicians, 1874. Retiring to an
estate which he possessed at Bryn Tanat,
near Oswestry, he did much to promote
musical culture in the locality, and originated
the Oswestry Festivals in 1879. He died,
February 4, 1896.

[W] Works. — Oratorios : Immanuel, 1853 ;
Judith, Birmingham Festival, 1858. Can-
tatas : Holyrood, 1860 ; Daughter of the Isles,
1861 ; Biblical Pastoral, The First Christian
Morn, Brighton Festival, 1880. Festival
anthem, Let Cxod arise, for soli, chorus, and
orchestra, 1849 ; Morning service in D, etc.
Operas : Romance, or Bold Dick Turpin, 1857 ;
Ida, 1864. How sweet the moonlight sleeps ;
My soul to God, my heart to thee ; The
Pilgrims, and other part-songs. Editor of
Choral Music, Novello ; Little Songs for Little
Folks, Cassell. Trio, Memory. jMy darling,
hush ! ; Flower girl ; Mountain Maid, and
other songs. Symphony in F, London, March
24, 1848 ; Symphony, Chivalry, Crystal Palace,
December 17, 1881 ; Dramatic overture, The
Templar, 1852. Quintet, pf. and wind ;
pieces for pf., etc.

entry id: 245-L-12