A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Shore, Matthias

by William Henry Husk

SHORE, Matthias, who in 1685 was one of the trumpeters in ordinary to James II., was, a few years afterwards, promoted to the post of Sergeant Trumpeter, in which he distinguished himself by the rigorous exaction of his fees of office. [See Sergeant Trumpeter.] He died in 1700, leaving three children:

1. William, also one of the King's trumpeters in ordinary, succeeded his father as Sergeant Trumpeter, died in Dec. 1707, and was buried at St. Martin's-in-the-Fields. He followed his father's example in the severe exaction of fees.

2. Catherine, born about 1668, who was a pupil of Henry Purcell for singing and the harpsichord. In 1693 she became the wife of Colley Cibber, without consent of her father, who manifested great displeasure at the match. His resentment was not, however, of very long duration, as when he made his will, March 5, 1695–6, he bequeathed to her one third of the residue of his property. Shortly after her marriage Mrs. Cibber appeared on the stage as a singer, and, among other songs, sang the second part of Purcell's air 'Genius of England' (Don Quixote, Part II.), to her brother John's trumpet accompaniment. She is said to have died about 1730.

3. John, the most celebrated trumpeter of his time, in 1707 succeeded his brother William as Sergeant Trumpeter. Purcell composed for him obbligato trumpet parts to many songs, which may be seen in the Orpheus Britannicus, and which fully attest his skill. His playing is highly commended in the 'Gentleman's Journal' for January, 1691–2, where, in an account of the celebration on St. Cecilia's day in the preceding November, we read 'Whilst the company is at table the hautboys and trumpets play successively. Mr. Showers hath taught the latter of late years to sound with all the softness imaginable; they plaid us some flat tunes made by Mr. Finger with a general applause, it being a thing formerly thought impossible upon an instrument designed for a sharp key.'^[1] His name appears in 1711 as one of the 24 musicians to Queen Anne, and also as lutenist to the Chapel Royal.^[2] He is said to have been the inventor of the tuning-fork, and also to have split his lip in sounding the trumpet, thereby incapacitating himself for performing. He died Nov. 20, 1750 [App. p.792 "1752"], at the alleged age of 90, but it is very probable that his age was overstated and did not exceed 80.

[ W. H. H. ]

1. This contrivance, then considered so wonderful, has been admirably employed by Handel in the second movement of 'Glory to God' in 'Joshua,' where the D major trumpets are used in B minor.
2. In the Cheque Book of the Chapel Royal he is said to have been appointed lutenist in 1715, but the entry was evidently not made until some time later, and probably from memory only.