A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Abrams, Misses

ABRAMS, The Misses Harriet, Theodosia, and Eliza, were three sisters, vocalists. Harriet, the eldest, was a pupil of Dr. Arne, and first appeared in public at Drury Lane theatre, in her master's musical piece, 'May Day,' on Oct. 28, 1775. She and her sister Theodosia sang at the opening of the Concert of Ancient Music in 1776. Harriet possessed a soprano, and Theodosia a contralto voice of excellent quality. The youngest sister, Eliza, was accustomed to join with her sisters in the pieces which were sung at the Ladies' Catch and Glee Concerts. The elder two sang at the Commemoration of Handel, in Westminster Abbey, in 1784, and at the principal London concerts for several years afterwards, when they retired into private life. They both attained to an advanced age; Theodosia (then Mrs. Garrow) was living in 1834. Harriet Abrams composed several pleasing songs, two of which, 'The Orphan's Prayer' and 'Crazy Jane,' aided by the expressive singing of her sister, Theodosia, became very popular. She published, in 1787 'A Collection of Songs,' and 'A Collection of Scotch Songs harmonized for three voices,' besides other pieces at later dates.

[ W. H. H. ]