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Harrison, Samuel

Source:
An Oxford Companion to the Romantic Age
Author(s):
 

Harrison, Samuel 

(1760–1812),

English tenor and impresario who specialized in sacred, ‘ancient’ song even as a boy, and developed a tenor voice perfect for this repertory; somewhat limited in range, power, and animation, it was pure in tone, taste, and intonation. He sang at the 1784 *Handel Commemoration, as principal tenor at the Ancient *concerts (1785–91), and as principal singer and director of the Covent Garden *oratorios (1789–92). Detecting a swing in public taste away from instrumental music, Harrison established the vocal concerts with Charles Knyvett (1752–1822) in 1792–5, presenting vocal solos, *glees, and catches, with only occasional Italian arias or instrumental pieces. He revived the concert series twice, with different partners (1801–3, 1804–12).

Rachel Cowgill