The British Musical Biography

[E] Barrett, William Lewis, flutist, born
in London, January 4, 1847. His father was
a violinist, and his mother came off a well-
known musical family in Merionethshire.
Taken to Wales when an infant, he spent his
early years there, and when seven years of
age commenced to play the violin, which he
afterwards changed for the flute. Destined
for a commercial career, he only took up
music as a profession after the death of his
father. Studied the flute under R. S. Rock-
strn, and harmony under W. Castell. His
firsi work was deputising for Mr. John Rad-
cliff, and he was soon engaged by Costa as
second flute and piccolo at Her Majesty's
Opera, where afterwards, for many years, he
was principal flute. Similar appointments
were also held at the Royal Italian Opera
(five years), the Carl Rosa London season
(seven years) ; and he has been engaged for
Birmingham, Leeds, and Three Choirs Festi-
vals, the chief orchestral concerts, and is now
principal flute of the Philharmonic Society,
and Professor at the R.C.M. He toured with
Madame Albani in Canada and the United
States, and has also appeared, with success,
on the continent. He has published Flute
Studies; solo and important passages; Ro-
mance and Tarentella, etc.

entry id: 31-R-57