A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Dando, Joseph

DANDO, Joseph Haydon Bourne, was born in Somers Town in 1806. At an early age he commenced the study of the violin under his uncle, Signor Brandi. In 1819 he became a pupil of Mori, with whom he continued about seven years. In 1831 he was adnvtted a member of the Philharmonic orchestra. For many years he filled the post of leader of the bands of the Classical Harmonists and Choral Harmonists Societies (both now extinct), whose concerts were given in the City. Dando was the first to introduce public performances of instrumental quartets. It is true that in the earlier days of the Philharmonic Society a quartet occasionally formed part of the programme, but no concerts consisting exclusively of quartets had before been given. The occasion on which the experiment was first tried was a benefit concert got up by Dando at the Horn Tavern, Doctors' Commons, on 23rd Sept. 1835. The programme was entirely composed of quartets, trios, etc. The experiment proved so successful that two more similar concerts were given in October, each proving more attractive than its precursor. Dando then formed a party consisting of Henry Blagrove, Henry Gattie, Charles Lucas, and himself, to give regular series of Quartet Concerts, and they commenced their enterprise on March 17, 1836, at the Hanover Square Rooms. They continued their performances annually until 42, when Blagrove seceded from the party, upon which Dando assumed the first violin, the viola being placed in the hands of John Loder. Thus constituted they removed to Crosby Hall, where they continued until the deaths of Gattie and Loder in 53 broke up the party. Dando occupied a prominent position in all the best orchestras until 75, when the fingers of his left hand becoming crippled he was compelled to desist from performing. During his long career he has ever shown himself an excellent violinist and amiable man.

[ W. H. H. ]