A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Baumgarten, C.

BAUMGARTEN, C. F., a native of Germany, and pupil of the famous organist J. P. Kunzen; came early to London and never left it; was organist at the Lutheran Chapel in the Savoy, and leader of the band of the English opera, Covent Garden. He was also composer and leader of the Duke of Cumberland s private band, which contained Blake, Waterhouse, Shield, Parke, and the elder Cramer. Baumgarten wrote much for the 'Professional Concerts' of 1783 and later, various operas and pantomimes—amongst others, Blue Beard, 1792. As an organist he had great skill in modulation and a thorough knowledge of his instrument, but as a violin-player, both in concerted music and as a leader, he was languid and wanting in energy—'a sleepy orchestra,' says Haydn in his diary. His theoretical knowledge was acknowledged by Haydn and Gyrowetz. 'He was the man to mix learning with effect, and therefore to write captivations that are felt by all' ('The World,' 1787). When he made Haydn's acquaintance in 1792 he had almost forgotten his mother tongue. In 1794 he lost his position at Covent Garden, and was succeeded by Mountain ('The Oracle,' Sept. 19). After this nothing is known of him. Baumgarten was a man of much ability and culture; his pupils were numerous and distinguished. He wrote an admirable treatise on music, and was a keen student of astronomy, mathematics, and history; but he does not seem to have possessed the art of making use of his advantages, and was quickly forgotten. A song of his, 'Her image ever rose to view,' from 'Netley Abbey,' is preserved in Ayrton's 'Musical Library.'

[ C. F. P. ]