A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Davenport, Francis

by Alexis Chitty

DAVENPORT, Francis William, born 1847 at Wilderslowe, near Derby, was educated at University College, Oxford. He studied music under Sir George Macfarren, whose only daughter he married; was appointed a Professor at the Royal Academy of Music in 1879, and subsequently Examiner for the Local Examinations in connection therewith. In 1882 he was appointed a Professor at the Guildhall School of Music. Mr. Davenport's compositions include Symphonies, No. 1 in D minor (1st prize at the Alexandra Palace Competition, 1876), No. 2 in C; Overture 'Twelfth Night,' Viard-Louis Concerts, 1878; Prelude and Fugue for Orchestra, Crystal Palace, Nov. 1. 1879; six pieces for piano and 'cello, a selection from which was given at the Popular Concert, Nov. 24, 1879; four pieces for same; a Trio in B♭, Popular Concerts, Jan. 31, 1881, and again in 1882; two Part Songs—'Phyllis is my only joy,' and 'Sweet day, so cool'; three songs and many works in MS. He has written two books on music, viz. 'Elements of Music' (1884), and 'Elements of Harmony and Counterpoint' (1886).

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