The British Musical Biography

[E] Russell, Henry, vocalist and composer,
born at Sheerness, Kent, December 24, 1812.
Began his nrusical studies before he was six,
and was then placed under M. 0. King.
Sang at the Surrey Theatre in " The Nightin-
gale and the Ra\en," and "The Swiss
Family," when eight years old, in a children's
opera company formed by Elliston. Went to
Italy in 1825, becoming an out-door student
at the Conservatorio, Bologna, and afterwards
studied for four months with Rossini at
Naples. Was Maestro de piano in opera at
Varesi, with Balfe in the company. Re-
turning to England, he was for a time chorus
master at Her Majesty's Theatre. In 1833
went to Canada, and also toured through the
United States. While there he composed
his first song, Mackay's " Wind of tlie Winter
Night." On his return to England in 1841
he first went on a tour with Beale for six
months, and March 8, 1842, commenced his
own vocal entertainment at the Hanover
Square Rooms. The Gambler's Wife, The
Ship on Fire, The Maniac, and other of his
songs soon became as familiar as household
words. Then followed provincial tours, the
success of which was unprecedented. Later,
with Dr. Mackay, he formulated the enter-
tainment, " The Far West ; or, the Emi-
grant's Progress from the Old World to the
New," with scenery painted by Mills. This
was also universally popular. He retired
from public life about 1865. His songs
reached the number of about 800, and Long-
fellow, Dickens, Eliza Cook, and Charles
Mackay were the principal writers whose
lyrics he set. A few may be named : Wreck
of the Hesperus ; Chieftain's Daughter ;
Canadian Song ; Ivy Green ; Old Sexton ;
Old arm chair ; Cheer, boys, cheer ; To the
West ; Far, far upon the Sea ; Song of the
Raft ; Signal Gun ; Woodman, spare that
tree. To these may be added A Series of
Songs from Scott's "Lady of the Lake;"
Scripture Melodies ; Dramatic Scenes ; Can-
tatas, etc., with a Llemoir, London, 1846 ;
Copyright Songs, 2 vols., 1860 ; L'Amico dei
Cantanti ; The Singer's Friend, a Treatise on
the art of Singing. His last composition was
a Jiibilee song, " Our Empress Queen," for
1887. In 1889, by authority of the Admiralty,
" A Life on the Ocean Wave " was to be used
by the Royal Marines as their regimental
march. A " Henry Russell " night took place
at Covent Garden^Theatre, October 12, 1891,
under the late Sir Aiigustus Harris's manage-
ment. His songs were sung, and the vener-
able composer was called upon for a speech.
" Truly a remarkable occasion, and one not
unworthy of a remarkable man." In 1895
Mr. Russell published Cheer, boys, cheer ;
Memories of Men and Music, London, Mac-
queen.

[+] William Clark Russell, born at New
York, February 24, 1844, whose novels of the
sea have obtained great popularity, is his son.
"The Wreck of the Grosvenor," "Mj^ Ship-
mate Louise," " Marooned," and " Convict
Ship " are anaong some of his most popular
tales. He has composed and published a
few songs.

entry id: 357-R-49