A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Weist-Hill, Henry

by Alexis Chitty

WEIST-HILL, HENRY, was born in London in 1830; was taught violin-playing by Sainton at the Royal Academy of Music, and in 1845 was elected King's Scholar. He first appeared at an Academy Concert in 1847, in Spohr's 9th Concerto, and subsequently went to America, where he introduced Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. He afterwards undertook a professional tour in Europe, and in 1849 became a member of Costa's band at the Royal Italian Opera and elsewhere. In 1871 he followed his old conductor to Drury Lane, where he filled the post of Director of the Ballet Music, and then to Her Majesty's till 1879.^[1] In 1874–76 he was Conductor at the Alexandra Palace, and displayed great energy in that department, giving performances of Handel's 'Esther' and 'Susanna,' Gade's 'Spring Fantasia,' Berlioz's 'Danse des Sylphes,' compositions of Saint-Saëns, etc. Mr. Hill introduced to the British public the works of Bizet and Massenet, the former by his Symphony 'Roma,' and 'Patrie' Overture, the 'Arlésienne' Suite, and Ballet music, 'Fair Maid of Perth'; the latter by his 'Scènes pittoresques.' British composers were invited by the Alexandra Palace Company to compete for the composition of the two best symphonies, and the prizes were awarded to Mr. F. G. Davenport and Mr. C. V. Stanford by Professors Joachim and G. A. Macfarren, as judges. In 1878–79 he was conductor of Mme. Viard-Louis's orchestral concerts, and gained much reputation for himself and his orchestra during the short term of their existence. Among the novelties produced were Svendsen's 1st Symphony; Salvayre's Stabat Mater, and 'Fandango' Ballet; Cherubini's 'Ali Baba' Ballet; Davenport's 'Twelfth Night' Overture; 'The Rivulet,' by Corder; Danse Macabre by Saint-Saëns; Berlioz-selections and works by Bourgault-Ducoudray and Gevaert. Massenet also conducted his orchestral suite, called 'Shakespeare,' April 30, 1878, on his first appearance in England, and again on Dec. 17, 1878. Goetz was first introduced to the British public by his only Symphony.—In 1880 Mr. Weist-Hill was appointed Principal of the Guildhall School of Music. This post he still retains, and under his energetic direction the number of pupils has risen to upwards of 2500.

[ A. C. ]

1. In 1878 he conducted at Her Majesty's the winter season of English opera.