Charles Knyvett facts for kids

Charles Knyvett (born February 11, 1752, died January 19, 1822) was a talented English singer and organist. He started a special series of music shows called the Vocal Concerts in London in 1791. People paid to subscribe and attend these concerts.

Life and Music Career

Charles Knyvett was born in Westminster. His parents were Charles Knyvett and Jane Jordan. His family came from Fundenhall in Norfolk. He went to Westminster School. He sang in the choir at Westminster Abbey. His teacher was Benjamin Cooke.

In 1770, he became an organist at All Hallows-by-the-Tower church. He shared the job with William Smethergell. Knyvett had a wonderful alto voice (a high male singing voice). He was one of the main singers at the big Handel Commemoration in 1784. In 1786, he was chosen to be a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal. This was a special group of musicians who performed for the King.

In 1789, Knyvett worked with Samuel Harrison. They put on a series of oratorio performances (large musical works, often based on religious stories) at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. In 1791, he teamed up with Harrison again. His brother William also helped. They started the Vocal Concerts at Willis's Rooms. These concerts were very popular for three years.

Knyvett became the organist of the Chapel Royal in 1796. In 1801, he brought back the Vocal Concerts. His brother William, his son Charles, Thomas Greatorex, and James Bartleman helped him. They held the concerts at the Hanover Square Rooms. However, the next year, Knyvett stopped being involved in managing them. In 1808, he left his job as a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal. His son, Charles, took his place.

Knyvett joined the Royal Society of Musicians in 1778. For many years, he was the secretary for the Noblemen and Gentlemen's Catch Club. This club held meetings at the Thatched House Tavern. He also often visited meetings of the Madrigal Society. For one season, he took over from Joah Bates as the conductor at the Concerts of Antient Music. On January 16, 1779, he became a Freemason. He joined the Somerset House Lodge No.2 with five other musicians.

Charles Knyvett died in Blandford Street, Pall Mall, on January 19, 1822. William Thomas Parke, a writer, said that Knyvett was "one of the best singers of glees." He also called him "perhaps the best catch singer in England." Glees and catches are types of songs for several voices.

Family Life

In 1772, Charles Knyvett married Rose Alleway. They had three sons. Their son Charles (1773–1852) became a musician. From 1802, he was the organist at St George's Hanover Square Church. Their second son, William, was a singer and composer. Their third son, Henry (1774–1843), became an army officer.