Hawley, Charles B.

1858-

Hawley is one of the best known American musicians. He was born in Brookfield, Conn., Feb. 14, 1858. Both parents were skilled musicians and gave their son an early musical education. When but a lad he was playing a church organ, and was conductor of musical affairs in the Cheshire Military Academy, from which school he graduated. In 1875 Hawley went to New York for study. His teachers in voice were George James Webb, Rivarde and Foederlein, and in composition Dudley Buck, Mosenthal and Rutenber. He was appointed bass soloist in Calvary Episcopal Church, New York, in 1876, and then became assistant organist at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, and in 1883 he was appointed organist at the Broadway Tabernacle. For many years he has been director of the ummer music at St. James' Chapel in Elberon. Mr. Hawley is a successful teacher of voice, and a member of the Mendelssohn Glee Club and the Mendelssohn Quartet Club. With his duties as organist, teacher, soloist, and club-member, he has had but little time to devote to composition, but has proven himself to be a composer of much merit. His songs have become deservedly popular in America and elsewhere. Among them are The Ring; Because I Love You, Dear; My Little Love; An Echo; Spring's Awakening; Where Love Doth Build His Nest; Oh, Haste Thee, Sweet; Were I a Star; My Luve's Like a Red, Red Rose; Lady Mine; Ah, 'Tis a Dream; They Kissed, I Saw Them Do It, the last being a vocal scherzo for men's voices. Hawley has also composed considerable church-music, one work of much merit being Trisagion and Sanctus. His compositions are of rare excellence, as a little study will convince any musician While seemingly so unstudied, so spontaneous a pouring forth of emotion in melody, there is always a beautiful blending of voice and accompaniment, and show throughout the work of a keen intellect.