Hullah, John Pyke

1812-1884

Distinguished composer and musical writer; born at Worcester. He was a pupil of William Horsley, later studying singing under Crivelli at the Royal Academy of Music. He became known in 1836 by his music to Charles Dickens' opera, The Village Coquettes, produced at St. James' Theatre. This was followed by The Barbers of Bassora, a comic opera, and The Outpost. Having studied with Wilhem in Paris, Hullah opened in 1841 his singing-school for schoolmasters at Exeter Hall, London, which met with immediate success, and the general public as well as teachers flocked to obtain instruction. In 1847 his scholars and admirers erected and presented him with St. Martin's Hall for the public performances of his pupils. From 1844 to 1874 he was professor of singing at King's College, later holding the same at Queen's and Bedford Colleges. He succeeded Horsley as organist of the Charter House, and for many years conducted the annual concerts of the children of the Metropolitan Schools at the Crystal Palace. He edited Wilhem's Method of Teaching Singing, adapted to English use. He wrote A Grammar of Vocal Music, A Grammar of Harmony, A Grammar of Counterpoint, and The History of Modern Music. His compositions include motets, anthems, concerted vocal music, and many songs, of which O! That We Two Were Maying, The Storm, and Three Fishers, are still popular.