The British Musical Biography

[E] Blagrove, Richard Manning, viola and
concertina player, brother of the preceding,
was born at Nottingham. In 1837 he entered
the R.A.M., studying the viola under H. Hill.
He also studied the concertina, and played
a solo on that instrument at the Hanover
Square Rooms, March 12th, 1842. With
Giulio Regondi, George Case, and A. B. Sedg-
wick, he formed a concertina quartet, the
first concert taking place in the room just
named, June 12th, 1844. The next year
found him engaged at concerts as pianoforte
accompanist, and viola player in his brother
Henry's quartet concerts. From that time
onward he was prominent in musical work.
On the death of Henry Hill, in 1856, he
succeeded him as principal viola in the Phil-
harmonic orchestra, and at the Three Choirs
Festivals, posts he held until 1894. For
many years, up to 1890, he was a professor at
the R.A.M., and a Fellow of that Institution.
In 1890, he began a series of concerts at
Clapham Hall, assisted by his sons Stanley
and Arthur, and his wife, nee Freeth, a
gifted pianist. He died in London, October
21st, 1895. Published Concertina Journal,
1853, Fantasias, etc., pf. and concertina. It
was sxjecially for him that G. A. jNIacfarren
wrote his concertina quintet.

entry id: 50-R-48