The British Musical Biography

[E] Browne, James A., violinist, conductor,
and writer on music ; born at Woolwich,
May 9th, 1838. Joined the Royal Artillery
Band in 1848, as a singing-boy, and received
instruction on the flute and violin ; was
appointed solo flutist in the band in 1864,
and from that date was similarly engaged in
London theatres, concerts, and the Handel
and other festivals. Appointed band-master.
Royal Horse Artillery, in 1870, retiring on a
pension in 1878, when he accepted the post of
band-master to the South Metropolitan
Schools, Sutton. Musical Director, Royal
Court Theatre, London, 1880-1 ; Conductor
of the Orchestral Festival Services, St. Agnes,

[+] Kennington Park, 1881-94 ; teacher of the
violin. Started the Sttrrey Musical Journal
(which existed only for six months), in 1885 ;
became sub-editor British Musician, 1893 ;
sole editor, 1895 ; proprietor and editor, 1896.
His published works include ; Military band
arrangements; a part-song, "The dragoons";
songs ; March, " Cleopatra," an oboe solo.
In MS. he has a drawing-room oratorio ; an
opera ; a string quartet, and some dramatic
music. Author of The north-west passage
[1860] ; History of the Royal Artillery [1865] ;
and papers on bands and music in the Service
Advertiser [1884] ; and the Surrey Musical
Journal, etc., etc.

entry id: 66-L-49