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Scan 61
Biographical dictionary of musicians : with a bibliography of English writings on music, 1886
24 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 48. See the scan on archive.org.
1WORKS.—Music for Sir William Davenant's "Circe" (with P. Humphrey), 1676. Music for Shakespeare's "Tempest," 1676. Songs. New Ayres and Dialogues composed for voices and viols of two, three, and four parts, Lond., 1678 (with Thomas Low). Lessons for viols or violins, etc.
3Banister's songs are good specimens of vocal writing, and are thoroughly English in style. He was regarded as one of the most capable performers on the violin living in the 17th century in England, and was evidently bold in his expressions of opinion, when he could uphold, in the face of a royal patron, the superior powers of his countrymen as violinists.
5BANISTER (John, Junior). English violinist, son of above, one of the musicians in the private bands of Charles II., James II., and Anne. Principal violinist at the Italian opera, London.
7BANKS (Benjamin). English violin-maker, B. Salisbury, July 14, 1727. Worked chiefly at Salisbury. D. Salisbury, Feb. 18, 1795.
9This maker, who is one of the greatest among the English, copied Amati, and produced violins, violas, and 'cellos of very fine quality and good tone. These instruments are now rare, and command good prices.
11BANKS (James and Henry). Sons of the above, worked together and produced many fine instruments. Benjamin Banks, junior (1754-1818) worked with his father, and produced a number of fair copies of Amati. The general characteristics of the work of Banks' family are pure, sweet tone; pale yellow colouring; high Amati model; and general excellent finish.
13BANNISTER (Charles). English comp. and vocalist, B. Gloucestershire, 1760. Joined travelling theatrical company as actor, and played "Romeo," "Richard," etc., 1778. Appeared in London as actor in Foote's "The Orators." Sang at Ranelagh and Mary-le-bone Gardens. Sang at the "Royalty," London, and in the English provinces. D. Lond., Oct., 1804.
15Bannister was a fair actor and a better vocalist, excelling in buffo pieces. His imitations of Champness, Tenducci, and other vocalists were at one period features in the entertainments at which he appeared. Shield composed for him "The Wolf."
17BANTI (Brigitta Giorgi). Italian soprano vocalist, B. Crema, Lombardy, 1759. Appeared in London, 1779-80, and again in 1799, as "Semiramide" in Bianchi's opera of that name. This vocalist was originally a street singer, and made her début on the operatic stage at Paris in 1779. D. Bologna, Feb. 18, 1806.
19BANWART (Jacob). Swedish comp. who flourished during the 17th century. D. about 1657. Wrote music for church and chamber.
21BAPTIE (David). Scottish comp. and writer, B. Edinburgh, Nov. 30, 1822. Self-taught in music. Music-seller in employment of Swan & Pentland, Glasgow, etc.
23WORKS.—Descriptive Catalogue of upwards of 23,000 Secular part-songs, consisting of Glees, Madrigals, Elegies, Trios, Quartets, etc. (MS.); commenced about 1846. Harmonium Tune Book, 1867-68 (edited with Wm. Hume). Harmonium Chant Book, 1868-69 (do.) Union Song-Garland, 1874 (do.) The Scottish Book of Praise (with Lambeth), 1876. Academy Vocalist (selected), 1879. Richard Werner's Hymn Book (revised), 1881. Moody and Sankey's Hymn Book, 1881. Vocal Compositions:—Glees and Part-songs (Original): A rosy gift I twine for thee; Evening (It is the hour); Soft pity never leaves; Gratitude (Sweet is the breath); The Haaf Fishers; Jolly Shepherd!; The hour is lovely; When pleasure sparkles; Beautiful Spring; Breathe softly, flutes; Come away, come away, Death!; Come, gentle Peace; Come to the sunset tree!; Glide along, our bonny boat; The Lark (Lo! the blithesome lark); Let not dull sluggish sleep; May song (Beautiful flow'rs); Morning (Hark! the lark begins); Now the bright morning star; The Shepherd's Holiday; Spring Morning (See! the Spring); The murmur of the merry brook; The sun's bright orb; By dimpled brook; Call the loves around; Come from the cloud of night!; Hark! the speaking strings;
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