A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Ryan, Desmond

RYAN, Michael Desmond, dramatic and musical critic, was born at Kilkenny, March 3, 1816, one of the numerous offspring of Dr. Michael Ryan, a physician of some position in the county. On the completion of his academical education at an early age, he entered the University of Edinburgh, early in the year 1832, for the purpose of studying medicine. He remained in Edinburgh steadily pursuing his studies for some three years, and had made satisfactory progress until it came to the dissecting room, at which his sensitive nature revolted. Being fairly well read, a dabbler in literature, an enthusiastic admirer of art, a good amateur musician, and a keen follower of the stage, Mr. Ryan determined to quit Edinburgh and try his fortune in London. Here he arrived in 1836, by chance met with Mr. J. W. Davison, and commenced an intimate friendship which lasted until dissolved by death. Mr. Ryan now entered upon his literary career in earnest, writing articles and poems for Harrison's Miscellany, etc., and producing verses for songs, original and translated, in teeming abundance. His 'Christopher among the Mountains,' in which he satirised Professor Wilson's criticism upon the last canto of 'Childe Harold,' and his parody of the 'Noctes Ambrosianæ,' were among his first ambitious efforts. A set of twelve sacred songs, versified from the Old Testament and set to music by Edward Loder (D'Almaine), may also be mentioned. The 'Songs of Ireland' (D'Almaine), in which, in conjunction with F. N. Crouch, new verses were fitted to old melodies, is another example of effective workmanship. In 1844 Mr. Ryan became a contributor to 'The Musical World,' and two years later sub-editor, a post which he filled as long as he lived. For years he was a contributor to the 'Morning Post,' 'Court Journal,' 'Morning Chronicle,' and other periodicals, writing criticisms on the drama and music, which had the merit of being trenchant, sound, and erudite. In 1849 he wrote the libretto of 'Charles II.' for Mr. G. A. Macfarren. The subject was taken from a well-known comedy by Howard Payne, rendered popular at Covent Garden by Charles Kemble's acting some quarter of a century before. A short time afterwards Mr. Ryan was commissioned by M. Jullien to provide the libretto of a grand spectacular opera, on the subject of 'Peter the Great'—brought out at the Royal Italian Opera on August 17, 1852, under the title of 'Pietro il Grande.' The fact of the book having been written in English, and translated into Italian (by Signor Maggioni) for the performance at Covent Garden, is a circumstance rare in itself if not absolutely unique. With the late Mr. Frank Mori, Mr. Ryan collaborated in an opera called 'Lambert Simnel,' originally intended for Mr. Sims Reeves, but destined never to see the light. Of the various other works, completed or mapped out, which he produced, nothing need be said; the name of Desmond Ryan will be best remembered as that of an intelligent critic, whose judgment was matured by experience and dictated by a seldom failing instinct. In 1857 he formed his first association with the 'Morning Herald,' and its satellite, the 'Standard,' and became permanently connected with those journals in 1862, as musical and dramatic critic. Few temperaments, however, can sustain the excitement and toil demanded in these days of newspaper activity, and after a painful and prolonged illness, Mr. Ryan quitted this life on Dec. 8, 1868, followed to the grave by the regretful memories of those who had known and esteemed his character. Desmond Ryan was twice married, and left to mourn him a widow and eight children.

[ D. L. R. ]