A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Rowland, Alexander
ROWLAND, Alexander Campbell, born at Trinidad, W. I., Jan. 1, 1826. His father served as bandmaster through the Peninsular campaign, was a fine clarinet player, and good practical musician. The lad was brought to London at a very early age, in 1831 began to learn the violin and side-drum, and in 1833 entered the orchestra of the Queen's Theatre, as player on both instruments, and soon became known for his solos at the Lent Oratorios, the Promenade and other Concerts, and other occasions. In 1839 he had the honour of some special hints from Spohr as to the drum part in his Concertino 'Sonst und Jetzt,' at the Norwich Festival. (See Spohr's Autobiography, part i. p. 220.) From 1842 to 1846 he was a member of Jullien's band, playing cornet, timpani, and viola, all which, as well as the pianoforte and organ, he had added to the repertoire of his instruments. At this time, with characteristic energy, he learned scoring for a military band from Waetzig of the Life Guards, and also mastered the trombone, and one or two other instruments. In 1846 he began the double bass, under Casolani, and by that instrument he is most generally known. In 1847 he became a member of the orchestras of the Royal Italian Opera, Philharmonic, Sacred Harmonic Society, etc.; in 1850 was PF. accompanyist, and solo double-bass player at the National Concerts, and became double-bass at H.M. Theatre in March 1851. In 1852 he performed a solo before the Queen and Prince Albert at Windsor. In 1854, finding the strain of the constant practice on the thick three-stringed English bass too severe, Mr. Rowland retired to Southampton, and devoted himself to teaching the piano, violin, harmony, and singing, in which he has been very successful up to the present time. But he did not at once give up his connexion with London. On April 29, 1861, he appeared at the Philharmonic Concert, and performed Mayseder's Violin Concerto (op. 40) on the double-bass. His position as principal double-bass to the Society he retained till the resignation of Sir W. S. Bennett, in 1866, when he also resigned, and has since confined himself to his country practice at Southampton.
Mr. Rowland has published the 70th Psalm for voices and orchestra (Ashdown & Parry); the first part of a Double-bass Tutor (L. Cock & Co.), the second part of which is now in the press; also a set of waltzes composed for and played by Jullien's band in 1841. He has also composed an overture, and various vocal pieces which have been performed at Southampton, but are not published. He is the leading professor there, and much esteemed by the musicians and amateurs of the place.