William Lewis Barrett, also W. Lewis Barrett, (1847 – 1927) was a professional
flautist and
music teacher.
Early life and education
Barrett was born on 4 January 1847 in
London. His parents were Mary (née Lewis) and Thomas Barrett, a violinist. His mother was from
Dinas Mawddwy,
Wales,
where he began his education. Barrett then was schooled in Cemmes,
Montgomeryshire
Montgomeryshire, also known as ''Maldwyn'' ( cy, Sir Drefaldwyn meaning "the Shire of Baldwin's town"), is one of thirteen historic counties of Wales, historic counties and a former administrative county of Wales. It is named after its county tow ...
.
He learned to play the flute and violin, having studied the flute under Richard Shepherd Rockstro.
Career
He began his career as a flautist by 1868, playing for the
Italian Opera
Italian opera is both the art of opera in Italy and opera in the Italian language. Opera was born in Italy around the year 1600 and Italian opera has continued to play a dominant role in the history of the form until the present day. Many famous ...
. He later played with the
Sacred Harmonic Society
The Sacred Harmonic Society (1832-1888) was an amateur musical organization of London. It was organized for the weekly practice of sacred music and the performance of oratorios and other sacred music.
Performances
It was noted for its performances ...
,
Royal Philharmonic Society, and the
Carl Rosa Opera Company, having become the principal flautist. In addition to a number of performances for
Queen Victoria,
he performed in concerts and music festivals in the
United Kingdom,
United States, and
Canada.
D. Emlyn Evans said of his performances, "Those who have heard Mr Barrett's solo work, whether in opera or at festivals, or playing obligato to one of the queens of song on the concert platform, can well understand and endorse Queen Victoria’s appreciation of his quality of tone…"
Between 1883 and 1910, he taught the flute at the
Royal College of Music.
Barrett was also a composer.
He died in
London at the
Savage Club on 10 January 1927, and was buried in
Kensal Rise in northwest London.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Barrett, William Lewis
1847 births
1927 deaths
British music educators
English classical flautists
Academics of the Royal College of Music
People from Dinas Mawddwy