A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Ransford, Edwin

by William Henderson

RANSFORD, Edwin, baritone vocalist, songwriter, and composer, born March 13, 1805, at Bourton- on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, died in London July 11, 1876. He first appeared on the stage as an 'extra' in the opera chorus at the King's Theatre, Haymarket, and was afterwards engaged in that of Covent Garden Theatre. During Mr. Charles Kemble's management of that theatre he made his first appearance as Don Cæsar in 'The Castle of Andalusia,' on May 27, 1829, and was engaged soon afterwards by Mr. Arnold for the English Opera House (now the Lyceum). In the autumn of 1829, and in 1830, he was at Covent Garden. In 1831 he played leading characters under Elliston at the Surrey Theatre, and became a general favourite. In 1832 he was with Joe Grimaldi at Sadler's Wells playing Tom Truck, in Campbell's nautical drama 'The Battle of Trafalgar,' in which he made a great hit with Neukomm's song of 'The Sea.' At this theatre he sustained the part of Captain Cannonade in Barnett's opera 'The Pet of the Petticoats.' He afterwards fulfilled important engagements at Drury Lane, the Lyceum, and Dovent Garden. At Covent Garden he played the Doge of Venice in 'Othello,' March 25, 1833, when Edmund Kean last appeared on the stage, and Sir Harry in 'The School for Scandal' on Charles Kemble's last appearance as Charles Surface. His final theatrical engagement was with Macready at Covent Garden in 1837–38. He wrote the words of many songs, his best being perhaps 'In thedays when we went gipsying.' In later years his entertainments, 'Gipsy Life,' 'Tales of the Sea,' and 'Songs of Dibdin,' etc., became deservedly popular. As a genial bon camarade he was universally liked.

[ W. H. ]