A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Blagrove, Henry

by William H. Husk

BLAGROVE, Henry Gamble, was the son of a professor of music at Nottingham, where he was born in October 1811 [App. p.548 "Oct. 20"]. At four years old he was taught by his father to play on a small violin which he had made for him, and at five years old he performed in public. His father bringing him to London he played in 1817 at Drury Lane Theatre in a performance called 'The Lilliputians,' and subsequently played in public daily at the Exhibition Rooms in Spring Gardens. In 1821 he was placed under the tuition of Spagnoletti, and on the opening of the Royal Academy of Music in 1823 he became one of its first pupils, François Cramer being his instructor. In 1824 he was awarded a silver prize medal for his proficiency. On the formation of Queen Adelaide's private band in 1830 Blagrove waa appointed a member, and continued so until 1837. In 1833 [App. p.548 "1832"] he went to Germany for the purpose of studying his instrument under Spohr, and remained there until November 1834. Blagrove was one of the most distinguished of English violinists, and for upwards of thirty years occupied the position of concerto player and leader in all the best orchestras. He died, after a lingering illness, December 15, 1872.

[ W. H. H. ]