A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Smith, John Christopher

SMITH, John Christopher, born in 1712, was son of John Christopher Schmidt, of Anspach, who, a few years later, came to England and became Handel's treasurer. The younger Smith showing a fondness for music, Handel commenced teaching him when he was 13 years old. He afterwards studied composition under Dr. Pepusch and Thomas Roseingrave, and in 1732 produced his English opera, 'Teraminta,' and in 1733 another opera, 'Ulysses.' In 1738 he composed an oratorio, 'David's Lamentation over Saul and Jonathan.' About 1745 he travelled on the continent, remaining absent about three years. In 1750 he was appointed the first organist of the Foundling Hospital Chapel. When Handel became blind Smith was employed as his amanuensis, and Handel's latest compositions were dictated to him. He also played the organ at Handel's oratorio performances. In 1754 he composed the opera of 'The Fairies,' altered from Shakspere's 'Midsummer Night's Dream,' which met with great success, and in 1756 the opera of 'The Tempest,' adapted from Shakspere's play, two songs in which, 'Full fathom five,' and 'The owl is abroad,' long continued favourites; and in 1760 'The Enchanter,' a musical entertainment. Handel bequeathed to him all his original MS. scores, his harpsichord, his bust by Roubiliac, and his portrait by Denner. After Handel's death Smith carried on the oratorios, in conjunction with Stanley, until 1774, when he retired and went to reside at Bath. Besides the before-mentioned works he composed 'Paradise Lost,' 'Rebecca,' 'Judith,' 'Jehoshaphat,' and 'Redemption,' oratorios (besides compiling two oratorios from Handel's works, 'Nabal,' and 'Gideon'); 'Dario,' 'Issipile,' and 'Il Ciro riconosciuto,' Italian operas; a Burial Service; and several miscellaneous vocal and instrumental pieces. George III. having continued to Smith a pension which had been granted by his mother, the Princess Dowager of Wales, Smith evinced his gratitude by presenting to the King all Handel's MS. scores now at Buckingham Palace the harpsichord and the bust by Roubiliac, retaining only the portrait by Denner. He died Oct. 3, 1795. Two large collections of Handel's works exist in Smith's MS., one belonging to H. B. Lennard, Esq., Hampstead; the other to Dr. Chrysander. [See Handel, in the Appendix.] [App. p.794 "for Two read Three, as another collection of Handel's works in Smith's writing belonging to the Granville family, is now in the possession of Bevil Granville, Esq. of Wellesbourne Hall, Warwickshire. Omit the reference to Handel in Appendix."]

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