Longhurst, John Alexander

1809-1855

English singer; born in London. He was a pupil of John Watson, director at Covent Garden, and there he made his debut as the Page in Bishop's Henri Quatre. He became so popular that during the next four years Bishop composed original parts for him. In 1826 he took the part of Puck in Weber's Oberon, but shortly after his voice broke and he was obliged to give up his singing. He then began teaching singing and piano and became an accomplished accompanist.