Blagrove, Henry Gamble

1811-1872

A distinguished English violinist. He was born in Nottingham, where his father, a professor of music, was his first teacher. He appeared in public when only five years old, and at the age of six played in a performance at Drury Lane Theatre. Before he was ten, he appeared daily in public at the Exhibition Rooms, Spring Gardens, London. In 1821 he became a pupil of Spagnoletti. When the Royal Academy of Music was opened, in 1823, he was enrolled among its first pupils, and the following year won a prize for proficiency. From 1832 to 1834 he studied under Spohr, in Germany. For several years he was solo violinist in Queen Adelaide's private band, and at the coronation of Queen Victoria he held the place of leader of the State band. Grove states that for upwards of thirty years he occupied the position of concerto player and leader in all the best orchestras. He died in London.