A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Frick, Philipp

by Mary Catherine Hamilton

FRICK, or FRIKE, Philipp Joseph, born near Würzburg May 27, 1740, originally organist to the Margrave of Baden, remarkable performer on the Harmonica; travelled much from 1769, spending some years in Russia. He came to London about 1780, and played in public with brilliant success both on the pianoforte and harmonica. His health obliged him to give up the latter instrument in 1786, and he then maintained himself by teaching, until his death June 15, 1798. He published various treatises and some music, none of which is of any permanent value (see Fétis). The harmonica he used was one on Franklin's system. He tried in vain to adjust a key-board to the instrument, an attempt in which Röllig succeeded.

[ M. C. C. ]