Hogarth, George

1783-1870

Hogarh, by profession a lawyer, was interested in music, and became an amateur violoncellist and composer. His knowledge of music, keen judgment and talent as a writer made him one of the foremost English musical critics and historians of his time. His first contributions were to the Harmonicon and the Morning Chronicle, both London periodicals. When Charles Dickens, his father-in-law, assumed the editorship of the Daily News, Hogarth was made musical critic. He held this position until 1866, when his health failed him. Other periodicals to which he gave his criticisms and musical news were the Illustrated London News, the Evening Chronicle and the Musical Herald. Hogarth also published a number of ballads, glees and editions of English songs. His literary works are a Musical History; Biography and Criticism; Memoirs of the Musical Drama; The Birmingham Festival; The Philharmonic Society from its foundation in 1813 to 1862. Hogarth was born at Carfrae Mill, near Oxford, and died in London.