John Davy (composer) facts for kids

John Davy (born December 23, 1763 – died February 22, 1824) was an English composer. He was especially known for writing music for plays and shows in London.

Early Life and Musical Talent

John Davy was born in a small village called Upton Hellions, near Exeter, England. He was raised by his uncle, who was a blacksmith and also played the cello in the church choir. From a very young age, John showed amazing musical talent.

When he was less than five years old, he could play simple tunes on a fife (a small flute-like instrument) after hearing them only once or twice. Before he turned six, John even created his own musical instrument! He borrowed horseshoes from a nearby blacksmith and hung them on a wall. He arranged them so they made a full musical scale, like a piano. Then, he used a small rod to tap them, making sounds that perfectly copied the church bells in Crediton.

Learning and Growing as a Musician

A local church leader, James Carrington, heard about John's incredible talent. He showed John a harpsichord, which is an old keyboard instrument. John quickly learned to play easy songs on it. He also started playing the violin.

When he was twelve, John met Reverend Richard Eastcott, who was a big music lover. Eastcott was very impressed by John's musical abilities. He suggested that John become a student of William Jackson, who was the organist at Exeter Cathedral. John learned very quickly. He soon became skilled at composing music and playing several instruments, including the organ, violin, viola, and cello.

Moving to London

After finishing his training, John Davy worked in Exeter for several years as an organist and music teacher. He loved the theatre and decided to move to London around 1800. There, he found work playing the violin in the orchestra at the Covent Garden Theatre. He also continued to teach music.

John was very good at writing songs and dance music. This talent soon brought him more exciting jobs. For almost 25 years, he regularly wrote music for the popular English operas and pantomimes (musical plays) that were performed in London's theatres. He created many pieces that audiences loved.

Sadly, John Davy faced many challenges later in his life. He passed away on February 22, 1824, in London. He was buried in St Martin's churchyard, with the help of two kind London shopkeepers.

Musical Works

John Davy created many different types of music. His first published work was a collection of "Six Quartetts for voices" around 1785. A quartet is a piece of music for four singers or instruments.

He also published:

• "Twelve favourite Songs with an accompaniment for the pianoforte" (around 1790)
• "Four Divertimentos for the harp and pianoforte" (around 1805)
• "A Grand Sonata for the harp" (around 1805)
• "Six Madrigals for four voices" (around 1810)
• "A Sonata for the pianoforte" (around 1820)

Music for the Stage

John Davy wrote music for many plays and shows. Some of his dramatic works include:

• What a Blunder! (1800)
• Perouse (with John Moorehead) (1801)
• The Brazen Mask, a ballet (with Mountain) (1802)
• The Cabinet (with John Braham and others) (1802)
• Rob Roy (1803)
• The Miller's Maid (1804)
• The Blind Boy (1808)
• Rob Roy Macgregor (a new version) (1818)

He also composed an overture (an introductory piece of music) and extra music for William Shakespeare's famous play, The Tempest. This music was performed along with songs by other well-known composers like Henry Purcell.

Popular Songs

Some of John Davy's songs became very popular with the public. People especially loved:

• "May we ne'er want a Friend"
• "The Death of the Smuggler"
• "Just like Love"
• "The Bay of Biscay"

External links

• [[scores:{{{id}}}|John Davy (composer)]]: Free scores at the International Music Score Library Project
• John Davy at Hymnary.org