The British Musical Biography

[E] Mathews, James, amateur flutist and
composer, born at Stourbridge, June 2, 1827.
His father was a talented amatevir both in
music and painting, and gave his son such
musical instruction as he received, but would
not consent to his entering the musical x^ro-
fession. The son devoted all his spare time
to the cultivation of the flute, and like his
father, became a fine performer. He played
his first solo in public in 1843 ; and up to
1878, was frequently heard in the district,
and nearly every year playing in Birmingham,
his services being given to every call of
charity. On October 7, 1868, he was publicly
presented with a gold flute, in the Union
Hall, Stourbridge, a gift from his friends and
admirers. The instrument was designed
from his own plan of fingering, and has 82
keys, and his execution on it could not be
excelled. His friendship with jMr. Walter
Broadwood, an excellent amateur flutist,
brought him into contact with many eminent
musicians, and he has enjoyed the rare ex-
perience, in private circles, of playing to the
pianoforte accompaniment of Joseph Joachim.
He has composed nearly 100 songs, a few
of which are published ; some pieces for
flute ; and has arranged many movements
from the great masters for his instrument.

[+] Retired from business, he still devotes him-
self to Music at his home, at Clent, in Wor-
cestershire.

entry id: 274-R-35