The British Musical Biography

[E] Rowland, Alexander Campbell, double-
bass player, violinist, and composer, born at
Trinidad, January 1, 1826. His father was a
fine clarinet player, and a band-master who
served through the Peninsular campaign.
The son, while an infant, was brought to
Bath, and, when about six years old, received
violin lessons from John Loder. Before he
was seven, he entered the orchestra of the
Queen's Theatre, London ; and also played
the side-drum at the Promenade and other
concerts. He learnt scoring from Waetzig,
bandmaster of the Life Guards, and in 1846,
Joegan the study of the double-bass under
Casolani, becoming one of tlie most remark-
able performers on that instrument. Played
cornet, drum, or viola in Jullien's band,
1842-6. Joined the Philharmonic orchestra
in 1849, and was also in Royal Italian Opera,
Sacred Harmonic, and j^riucipal Festival
bauds. In 1854, he went to reside at South-
hampton as music teacher, but continued his
work in the Philharmonic Society until 1866,
when Sterndale Bennett resigned the con-
ductorship. At the Philharmonic concert,
April 29, 1861, he played Mayseder's Violin
Concerto, op. 40, on the double-bass. At
Southampton, he conducted choral and or-
chestral societies, and did much valuable
work. When sixty years old, he entered the
examination for A.R.C.M., and passed with
honours in seven subjects. He retired from
active work in 1893, and died at Southampton,
August, 1896.

[W] Works. — Ps. 70, for voices and orchestra ;
Overture, orchestra ; Set of Waltzes, for pf.
and orchestra ; original air in C, double-bass
and i^f. Various works in MS. Blessed be
the Lord ; Moonrise ; INIorning thoughts ;
and other songs. Course of Exercises in part-
singing, Stanley Lucas. Author of a Method
for the Double-Bass, in Two Parts, originally
published by Lamborn Cock.

entry id: 356-R-57