John Parke (oboist) facts for kids

John Parke (born in 1745, died August 2, 1829) was a very talented English musician who played the oboe. He was one of the most famous oboe players of his time and performed at many important concerts.

Early Life and Musical Start

John Parke was born in 1745. His younger brother, William Thomas Parke, also became a well-known oboe player. John learned to play the oboe from a teacher named Simpson. He also studied music theory, which is about how music works, with Charles Frederick Baumgarten.

A Rising Star in Music

In 1768, John Parke became the main oboe player at the King's Theatre in London, which was a very important job. That same year, he played at the first Birmingham music festival. He also performed at the Three Choirs Festival in Hereford, a famous music event that he continued to play at for 35 years!

When another great oboe player, Johann Christian Fischer from Dresden, came to London in 1768, John Parke was inspired to become even better. He worked hard and improved his playing style. Just two years later, he took over from Fischer as the main solo oboe player at Vauxhall Gardens, a popular place for concerts.

Performing at Famous Venues

In 1771, John Parke was offered a job by the famous actor David Garrick. He became the first oboe player at the Drury Lane Theatre, another very important London theatre.

He also played as a main musician for special concerts called oratorios, organized by composers John Christopher Smith and John Stanley. During the summer, he often performed at other popular spots like Ranelagh Gardens and Vauxhall Gardens.

Playing for Royalty

John Parke's talent was recognized by royalty. In 1783, the Duke of Cumberland invited him to join his personal music band. Later, the Prince of Wales (who would later become King George IV) hired him to play at his concerts at Carlton House. This was a very prestigious position, and he earned a good salary.

Parke was a key performer at many other important music events, including the Concerts of Antient Music and the Professional Concerts. He even wrote some of his own oboe concertos, which are pieces for a solo instrument and orchestra, but he never published them.

Later Years

John Parke retired from performing in 1815 when he was 70 years old. He passed away in London on August 2, 1829, and was buried at St Martin-in-the-Fields church.

He married Hannah Maria Burnett in 1772. They had several children, including Maria Frances Parke, who became a musician like her father, and Henry Parke, who became an architect.