A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Nathan, Isaac

NATHAN, Isaac, born of Hebrew parents at Canterbury in 1792, being intended for the priesthood, was in 1805 sent to Cambridge to study Hebrew, but his natural bent being for music he was articled to Domenico Corri, and devoted his attention principally to singing and composition. He appeared at Covent Garden as Henry Bertram, in 'Guy Mannering.' After composing several songs, he produced in 1823 'Hebrew Melodies,' to Lord Byron's poetry, with much success. In 1823 he supplied part of the music for the comedy 'Sweethearts and Wives'—one song in which, 'Why are you wandering here I pray,' became very popular—and published 'An Essay on the History and Theory of Music,' and on the qualities, capabilities and management of the Human Voice.' In 1824 he brought out 'The Alcaid,' comic opera, and in 1827 'The Illustrious Stranger,' operatic farce. In 1836 he published 'The Life of Madame Malibran de Beriot, interspersed with original anecdotes and critical remarks on her musical powers.' He subsequently emigrated to Sydney, where he was accidentally killed, by being run over by a tramway car, Jan. 15, 1864. He was much esteemed as a singing master.

[ W. H. H. ]