Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Land, Edward

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1429952Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 32 — Land, Edward1892James Cuthbert Hadden

LAND, EDWARD (1815–1876), vocalist and composer, was born in London in 1816. He began his career as one of the children of the Chapel Royal, and was afterwards brought into prominent notice as accompanist to John Wilson, the celebrated Scotch singer. After Wilson's death he acted in a similar capacity to David Kennedy [q. v.] On the formation of the Glee and Madrigal Union he was chosen accompanist, and he also occasionally officiated as second tenor vocalist. He was for several years secretary of the Noblemen and Gentlemen's Catch Club. He composed a number of songs, which were popular in their day, such as 'Bird of Beauty' (1852), 'The Angel's Watch' (1853), 'Birds of the Sea' (1853). and harmonised or arranged a good deal of miscellaneous vocal music. He wrote many original pieces for the pianoforte, and made arrangements of various Scottish melodies and other compositions for the same instrument. He died in London on 29 Nov. 1876.

[Musical Times, January 1877; Life of David Kennedy, Paisley, 1877.]

J. C. H.