Hanover Square Rooms in 1843
The picture of London, for 1802
These concerts were initiated in 1792 in the Willis’s Rooms by Harrison and Knyvett as an alternative to the Ancient Concerts. After a few years of low success, Haarrison returned to the Ancient Concerts, but then reunited to revive them in 1801 through 1803. There was then a lull until 1807 (through 1812) when Harrison, Bartleman, and Greatorex presented the nine subscription concerts at the Hanover Square Rooms. (A Biographical Dictionary of Actors, Actresses, Musicians, Dancers, Managers .., 1982)
Harrison passed away in 1812 of a sudden internal inflammation. During his life he was a popular singer , who had a range of two octaves and was known to sing “rich and sweet”, with excellent taste and control. His favorite songs were reported to be Handel’s Lord, My Former Ways Resigning, Boyce’s Softly Rise, Singaarelli’s Ombra adorate, and Horsely’s Gentle Lyre.
After Harrison’s death, the vocal concerts limped along. According to an article in Fraser’s Magazine (1853):
Bartleman was a bass singer passed away in 1821.
The Concerts of Ancient Music would continue to be an annual attraction until 1848.
