Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Nicholson, Charles

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938934Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 41 — Nicholson, Charles1895James Cuthbert Hadden

NICHOLSON, CHARLES (1795–1837), flautist and composer, son of Charles Nicholson, flautist, was born at Liverpool in 1795. Trained under his father, he went to London when quite young, and soon gained a position in the front rank of flautists. On the foundation of the Royal Academy of Music in 1822 he was appointed professor of the flute, and soon after became principal at the Italian Opera. He played also at Drury Lane and at the Philharmonic Society's concerts, where several of his compositions for the flute were performed from 1823 to 1842. As a soloist he was much engaged, both in London and the provinces, but, owing to improvident habits, was in the end reduced to absolute poverty. He died in London on 26 March 1837, having been supported in his illness by Messrs. Clementi and Messrs. Collard. His father greatly increased the tone of the flute by enlarging the finger-holes, and the son still further improved the instrument. He had some talent for composition, but was imperfectly educated, and had often to obtain the aid of professional musicians in arranging his works. His best original composition is the ‘Polonaise with “Kitty Tyrell,”’ and his ‘Complete Preceptor for the German Flute’ (London, cir. 1820) was at one time extensively used. A complete list of his compositions, including concertos, fantasias, solos, and other pieces, all for the flute, is given by Rockstro (p. 614).

[Rockstro's Treatise on the Flute; Quarterly Musical Magazine, 1823; Biographical Dictionary of Musicians, 1824; Hogarth's History of the Philharmonic Society; Grove's Dictionary of Music.]

J. C. H.