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Scan 202
Biographical dictionary of musicians : with a bibliography of English writings on music, 1886
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1bass, or the art of playing from a figured bass, Lond., fol. n. d.; Questions for the Examination of Pupils who are studying the work called Elements of Musical Composition and Practical Thorough-bass, Lond., 12mo [1830]; Substance of Several Courses of Lectures on Music, 8vo, 1831; Specimens of Various Styles of Music referred to in a course of Lectures read at Oxford and adapted to keyed Instruments, Lond., 3 vols., fol. n. d.; Preludes for the Pianoforte, Compositions in various Styles, to which are Prefixed the Rudiments of Playing the Instrument [1823].
3The extraordinary precocity of Crotch was such as to excite great interest among English musicians. The Hon. Daines Barrington and Dr. Burney have both published accounts of his marvellous musical faculties, and both agree with regard to the inborn genius which he undoubtedly possessed. Dr. Crotch is one of the greatest of England's talented and learned musicians, and he did more in an educational sense to spread musical knowledge that any other man of his day. His didactic works are of first class utility, and one of them, "Elements of Composition," is still largely used as a text-book, old fashioned though it be. His historical courses of lectures, among the first, and certainly the best ever delivered in Britain up to recent times, are marked by much variety and accuracy of information, and great taste and discrimination.
5Of his oratorios "Palestine" promises to endure for a considerable time to come, no less on account of its many striking original features than on account of its departure from the conventional style of Handel. Busby, writing in 1819, says, ". . . and his more recent production of an oratorio [Palestine] exhibits his theoretical knowledge, general powers of vocal conception, and command of instrumental accompaniment, in a light truly favourable to his character, as an original author in the higher province of composition." Hogarth, writing in 1838, says—"In this oratorio Dr. Crotch has displayed a grandeur and originality of conception worthy of his most illustrious predecessors, and has united, in the happiest manner, the depth and severity of the old ecclesiastical masters, with the graceful and flowing melody and orchestral effects of the modern school." The press opinions passed on its recent revivals are even more flattering than any of the above, so that the prospect seems certain that as time advances this truly beautiful creation will advance in public estimation. As regards his anthems it is sufficient to say, so often and wide-spread is their performance, that they are among the worthiest specimens of sacred music to be found in the noble collection of British Church music. His organ concertos are fine specimens of a somewhat old-fashioned school of instrumental composition, but their effect when performed by a capable organist is equal to some of the best works of recent times. Crotch's minor works are in no way remarkable, save that they represent the fugitive productions of a man of musical genius.
7CROUCH (Anna Maria), née PHILLIPS. English soprano vocalist, B. London, April 20, 1763. S. under T. Linley, to whom she was articled in 1779. Début at Drury Lane Theatre in Arne's "Artaxerxes," 1780. Appeared in Ireland with great success, 1783. Married to Mr. Crouch, a lieutenant in the navy, 1785. Sang at oratorios at Drury Lane, 1787. Separated from Crouch, 1792. Resided afterwards with Michael Kelly. Retired from the stage, 1800. D. Brighton, Oct. 2, 1805.
9"She had a remarkably sweet voice, and a naive, affecting style of singing; this added to extraordinary personal charms, made her a great favourite of the public for many years." A most laudatory poem on her is entitled "Euphrosyné, an Ode to Beauty: addressed to Mrs. Crouch, by Silvester Otway" [otherwise John Oswald], Lond., 4to, 1788. See also Memoirs of Mrs. Crouch. By M. Young, Lond., 2 vols., 1806, with portrait.
11CROUCH (Frederick William Nicholls). English comp. and teacher, B. Devizes, July 31, 1808. S. under Bochsa and W. Hawes. Played 'cello at H.M. Theatre. S. at the R.A.M. under Crotch, Attwood, Lindley, etc., 1822. Member of Queen Adelaide's band. Principal 'cellist at Drury Lane Theatre. Engaged for a time in the manufacture of zinc. Invented the engraving process known as Zincography. Musical Supervisor to D'Almaine & Co., London. Went to America with Maretzek, 1849. Director of the Sacred Harmonic Society, Portland, Me. Director of the Mathew's
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