Smith, Charles, 1786-1856 (Singer and composer)

Person

Dates

Existence: 1786 - 1856

Biography

Charles Smith was a singer, organist and composer born in London in 1786. At the age of ten he became a chorister at the Chapel Royal and sand the principal solo in the anthem on the marriage of Charlotte Augusta Matilda, the princess royal, to the prince of Wurtemberg in May 1797. He gave up singing temporarily when his voice broke and devoted himself to teaching and playing the organ. He continued to write and perform for the rest of his life, and many of his songs and ballads enjoyed widespread success.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Letter from William Chappell to Mrs Crawford promising to offer her verses to several composers, 23 June 1836

Item

Identifier: Coll-1839/1/1/8

Scope and Contents

Letter from William Chappell, of music publishers and piano manufacturers Chappell and Co., to Mrs Crawford promising to offer her verses to composers Mr Hodson and Mr C Smith. He also discusses the publication of her song "The Bonnet and Plaidie" and agrees to send her several copies as requested.

Dates: 23 June 1836

Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / Papers of Louisa Matilda Crawford, nee Montagu / Correspondence / Personal Correspondence of Louisa Matilda Crawford

Song titled "Ma Jeune Louise! A Ballad", 1810-1857

piece

Identifier: Coll-1839/7/pp.139-140

Scope and Contents

Song titled "Ma Jeune Louise! A Ballad." This song was set to music by Charles Smith, author of, "Oh! Softly Sleep my Baby Boy."

Dates: 1810-1857

Found in: University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections / Papers of Louisa Matilda Crawford, nee Montagu / Manuscript notebook containing 165 poems and songs written at Southwood Hall by Louisa Matilda Crawford