William Hawes: a biography published during his lifetime

HAWES, (William) was born in London in 1785, and became a chorister in the chapel royal, under Dr. Edmund Ayrton, in 1793, where he remained till 1801. In 1802, he first engaged publicly in his profession, by becoming a performer on the violin in the band of Covent-garden theatre, and about the same time commenced business as singing-master; he also attended the ancient, Vocal, and most other concerts. In 1803, he was appointed deputy vicar-choral of Westminster abbey, and continued in that office till fully appointed.

In July, 1805, he obtained the appointment of gentleman in ordinary of his majesty’s chapels royal. In 1806, he became an honorary member of the nobleman’s catch club. In 1807, he was elected a member of the royal society of musicians; and in 1808, honorary member of the Somerset-house Lodge, and of the societies called the Madrigal and Cencentores. He was one of the original associates of the Philharmonic, which commenced in 1813, and a member of the professional concert, which followed shortly after; but on account of the party spirit, which then prevailed so widely in the profession, quitted the former society, on the breaking up of the latter.

In 1814, he was appointed almoner, master of the boys, and lay-vicar of St. Paul’s cathedral, and in 1817, master of the children of his majesty’s chapel royal, and lutenist to his majesty; in the same year he was also fully appointed vicar-choral of Westminster abbey, but resigned the latter situation in 1820, considering himself treated with undue severity, in being refused privileges which others had before, and have since, enjoyed.

He was the first promoter of the royal Harmonic Institution, under the design of giving composers the means of publishing their own works, and consequently reaping the whole advantage which should arise from their sale. For this purpose the old Argyle rooms were rebuilt, and the present magnificent establishment opened.

The following are among the more favourite original works and arrangements of this composer:

Songs: “Barbara Allan,” “Charlie is my darling,” “Comin’ through the rye,” “Father William,” “Friendship,” “He’s dear, dear to me,” “John Anderson my jo,” “I think on thee,” ” Logie o’ Buchan,” “Lang syne,” “My harp alone,” “My Ellen, alas! is no more,” “O this love,” “O that I could recall the day,” “O saw ye my father,” “O Bothwell bank,” “O for ane-an’-twenty, Tam,” “O Kenmure’s gone awa’,” “Sleep, baby mine,” “The land o’ the leal,” “The green spot that blooms o’er the desert of life,” “Tak’ your auld / cloak about ye,” “The Beacon,” “To the Moon,” “There grows a bonny brier,” “Wert thou like me,” “We’re a noddin’ at our house at hame,” ” He’s far, far frae me.”

Glees: “Allen a dale,” three voices; “Bring me flowers, bring me wine,” four voices; “Fairy glee, (We fairy folks)” four voices; “Gallant and gaily,” three voices; “Henry cull’d the flowret’s bloom,” four voices; “John Anderson my jo,” three voices; “Lovely Phyllis,” four voices; “O saw ye my father,” four voices; “O Bothwell Bank,” three voices; “Sweet modest floweret,” four voices; “Since then I’m doomed,” four voices; “The Shepherd’s Daughter Sally,” four voices.

He has also republished Morley’s collection of madrigals, entitled the Triumphs of Oriana.