Lazarus, Henry

1815-1895

English clarinettist; born in London. His first instruction was received, as a boy, from Blizard, bandmaster of the Royal Military Asylum, Chelsea, and he continued under Charles Godfrey, senior, bandmaster of the Coldstream Guards. His first important appointment was in 1838. as second to Willman at the Sacred Harmonic Society. At Willman's death, two years later, he succeeded him as principal clarinet at the Opera and also at the London concerts and provincial festivals. He remained in this position for many years, constantly adding to his popularity. He was a professor of clarinet at the Royal Academy of Music, beginning 1854, and at the Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, near Hounslow, from 1858. Three years before he died he gave a farewell concert in St. James' Hall. He died in London. In both orchestral and solo-playing his tones were rich and beautiful, his phrasing exquisite and his execution forceful and expressive.