A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Kearns, William

KEARNS, William Henry. A prominent figure in London musical life in the middle part of the century. He was born at Dublin in 1794, and came to London in 1817, where he played the violin at Covent Garden Theatre. He soon however became the musical adviser to Arnold and Hawes, and 'Der Freischütz,' 'Azor and Zemira,' 'Robert the Devil,' and many other foreign operas were brought out under his direction at Covent Garden. Mr. Kearns wrote the additional wind accompaniments to the 'Messiah' and 'Israel in Egypt,' for the Festival at Westminster Abbey in 1834, as well as for Handel's choruses at provincial festivals. In 1845 he assisted Gauntlett in editing the 'Comprehensive Tune-book.' He died in Prince's Place, Kennington, Dec. 28, 1846.

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