Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Fish, William

911230Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 19 — Fish, William1889Louisa M. Middleton

FISH, WILLIAM (1775–1866), a musician of Norwich, was born in that city in 1775. He commenced his musical career as violinist (Grove) in the orchestra of the theatre, and, after studying under Sharp, the oboist, and Bond, the pianist and organist, was fitted to take part in various capacities in the important local concerts and cathedral festivals. He was organist of St. Andrew's, Norwich, opened a music warehouse, and became well known in the neighbourhood as a teacher. He died 15 March 1866, a later date than that suggested by the musical dictionaries. Fish's Opus I., a sonata in the Mozartean manner, was followed by a number of less interesting pianoforte pieces, some ballads (words and music by the composer), among which 'The Morning Star' may be singled out, an oboe concerto, and some fantasias for the harp. His unpublished works are said to have included a manuscript cantata to words by Mrs. Opie, and some pieces (presumably for band) played at the Norwich Theatre.

[Grove's Dict. i. 530; Dict. of Musicians, 1827, i. 249; History of Norfolk, 1829, ii. 1283; Notes from Register Office, Norwich; Norfolk News, 17 March 1866; Fish's music in Brit. Mus. Library.]

L. M. M.