The British Musical Biography

[E] Cook, Aynsley, bass vocalist, born near
Newcastle-on-Tyne, 1836 (?). Was a chorister
at St. Paul's Cathedral. Through the gen-
erosity of the Marquis of Anglesey he studied
in Germany, and there made his debjit in opera.
He sang at Drury Lane about 1854, but his
name is not noticed. Later he joined the
Pyne and Harrison Company; but he reached
the full measure of his popularity as a member
of the Carl Rosa Company, from 1875 to the
end of his career. His repertory was extensive,
but his Devilshoof in the "Bohemian Girl" —
an elaboration of his own in the last act — was
his favourite character with the public. His
last appearance in opera was at Liverpool,
February 2, 1894, and he died just a fortnight
later. His wife, nee Payne, was a contralto
singer, and a member of the Pyne and Harri-
son, and Carl Rosa Companies. She also sang
on tour with Mr. Sims Reeves in ' ' The Water-
man," etc. Alice Aynsley Cook, his
daughter, has sung in the provinces in the
Gilbert and Sullivan operas, burlesques, etc.

entry id: 98-L-15