Charles Hague

Charles Hague (1769-1821), was a professor of music at Cambridge University.

Haguewas born in 1769 at Tadcaster, Yorkshire, and was taught music and the violin by an elder brother. In 1779 he removed with his brother to Cambridge, where he studied the violin under Manini and thorough-bass and composition under Hellendaal the Elder. Here he rapidly acquired celebrity as a violin-player, which led to a friendship with Dr. Jowett, then regius professor of civil law. Manini dying in 1785, Hague removed to London and studied under Salomon and Dr. Cooke. On his return to Cambridge he took pupils, among whom was Dr. William Crotch, and in 1794 proceeded Mus.B. In 1799 he succeeded Dr. Randall as professor of music, and in 1801 proceeded Mus.D.

His principal works are:

• ‘By the Waters of Babylon. An Anthem composed for the Degree of Bachelor of Music, and performed 29 June 1794.’
• ‘Glees.’
• ‘Twelve Symphonies by Haydn, arranged as Quintets.’
• ‘The Ode as performed in the Senate-house at Cambridge at the Installation of his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, Chancellor of the University.’ This ode was written by William Smyth, professor of history. He also assisted Mr. Plumptre, fellow of Clare College, Cambridge, in the publication of ‘A Collection of Songs,’ 1805.

Hague died at Cambridge 18 June 1821. His eldest daughter, Harriot Hague, an accomplished pianist, who published in 1814 ‘Six Songs, with an Accompaniment for the Pianoforte,’ died in 1816, aged 23.

References

 "Hague, Charles". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.