Samuel Harrison (singer) facts for kids
Samuel Harrison (born September 8, 1760 – died June 25, 1812) was a famous English singer. He was a tenor, which means he sang in a high male voice. Samuel performed in many important concerts of his time, including the Concerts of Antient Music and the Three Choirs Festival.
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Early Life and Musical Start
Samuel Harrison was born in Belper, a town in Derbyshire, England, on September 8, 1760. His first music teacher was a bass singer named Burton. As a young boy, Samuel was a boy soprano, meaning he sang high notes before his voice changed. He performed solos at the Concerts of Antient Music and for the Society of Sacred Music starting in 1776.
His voice didn't change until he was eighteen years old. After that, he worked very hard to develop his tenor voice. King George III heard him sing at a royal party and was so impressed that he asked Samuel to perform at the Handel Commemoration in 1784. This was a huge event celebrating the composer Handel. Samuel sang songs from Handel's operas Sosarme and Messiah. This performance made him very well-known among musicians and important people.
Early Career and Family
Samuel Harrison first sang as the main tenor at the Three Choirs Festival in 1781, which took place in Gloucester. He continued to sing at this festival for many years, performing at Hereford meetings from 1786 to 1808, and at Gloucester and Worcester from 1801 to 1808.
In London, he was part of the Noblemen and Gentlemen's Catch Club, a group for musicians. He also performed at the Professional Concerts starting around 1783 and at the Society of Sacred Music until 1790. In 1791, Samuel Harrison worked with John Ashley to put on oratorio concerts (large musical works, often religious) at the Covent Garden Theatre. He also sang at other famous theaters like the Drury Lane and the King's Theatre.
On December 6, 1790, Samuel married Miss Cantelo. She was also a talented singer and had performed at the same concerts as Samuel, including the Concerts of Antient Music and the Three Choirs Festivals. She was also praised for her singing at the Handel Commemoration in 1784.
The Vocal Concerts and Later Years
Samuel Harrison was the main tenor at the Concerts of Antient Music from 1785 to 1791. After that, he and Charles Knyvett the elder started their own series of concerts called the Vocal Concerts. The first one was held on February 11, 1792, at Willis's Rooms. These concerts were popular for a few years, but then they stopped attracting large crowds. Samuel and the other organizers then returned to the Antient Concerts.
In 1801, the Vocal Concerts were brought back, but this time they were much bigger and included an orchestra. They were very successful for a while, until new types of music concerts became more popular.
Samuel Harrison's last public performance was at his own benefit concert on May 8, 1812. He sang some of his most popular songs. He passed away on June 25, 1812, at his home in Percy Street in London. He was buried at St Pancras Old Church. His wife, Miss Cantelo, passed away in 1831.
His Singing Voice
People who heard Samuel Harrison sing described his voice as very special. In 1830, a music magazine called The Harmonicon wrote about his voice. They said that while his voice wasn't naturally very strong, it was incredibly clear, pure, and even. They believed his amazing singing showed how much a person can achieve through hard work and practice, even if they don't have a naturally powerful voice. It was the "high polish" and "exquisite finish" of his style that made his singing so charming.
