Henry R. Bishop letter

Collection — Container: 1

Identifier: MS-0355

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of a holographic letter written by Henry Rowley Bishop to James Silk Buckingham, dated April 9, 1846. In the letter, Bishop expresses his appreciation to Buckingham upon his election as an honorary member, of the "British and Foreign Institute," a social and literary club founded by Buckingham. Bishop also acknowledges the receipt of an "Inaugural Lecture" presented by Buckingham.

Dates

Creation: 1846 April 9

Creator

Bishop, Henry R. (Henry Rowley), 1786-1855 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is housed off-site and requires 48-hours' notice for retrieval. Contact Special Collections for more information.

This collection is open for use.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Biographical Note

Henry Rowley Bishop (1786–1855) was an English musical composer. He was born in Great Portland Street, London, November 18, 1786. Bishop later received his instruction in music from the Italian composer and theoretical musician, Francesco Bianchi.

Bishop was the composer of music for the ballet, operas, burlettas, and incidental music to Shakespeare's plays. Most of his career was spent writing or arranging music for theaters in London including the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Covent Garden, and the King's Theatre, Haymarket. His first important opera, "The Circassian Bride, was accepted at Drury Lane in 1809. One of Bishop's works from 1823, Clari, or The Maid of Milan, (an opera in two acts) is well-known for introducing the tune of "Home Sweet Home." In 1842, Bishop was knighted by the queen, the first musician to receive this honor. In 1848, he was appointed professor of music at Oxford.

One of Bishop's contemporaries was James Silk Buckingham (1786- 1855), author, traveler, and lecturer. In 1843, Buckingham founded a literary and social club, the "British and Foreign Institute in Hanover Square." The club was often ridiculed in Punch and lasted only four years.

Henry Rowley Bishop died in London April 30, 1855.

Extent

0.167 Cubic Feet (1 letter)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Henry Rowley Bishop (1786–1855) was an English musical composer. This collection consists of a hand-written letter written by Henry Rowley Bishop to James Silk Buckingham, dated April 9, 1846.

Custodial History

The letter was included in Clari: or, The Maid of Milan, a volume (V.559) formerly part of the Lester S. Levy Collection. In January 1993, the volume was cataloged to Rare Books (CAGE M1503 B.57), and the letter was transferred to Manuscripts. The Accession Number is 92-93.26.