Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Hassé, Christian Frederick
HASSÉ, CHRISTIAN FREDERICK (1771–1831), composer and organist, born at Sarepta, Southern Russia, was educated at Barby, near Halle, and at Niesky in Silesia, under Gregor, a Moravian bishop and composer of hymns. After filling the post of classical master at Barby, Niesky, and Hennersdorf, near Herrnhut, Hassé taught music and foreign languages at Fulneck, the Moravian settlement near Leeds, and became organist to the chapel. Hassé did much to improve musical taste and knowledge in that part of Yorkshire, by introducing foreign masterpieces and organising orchestral meetings. He died very suddenly on 1 May 1831. Hassé arranged the music for ‘Polyhymnia, or Select Airs by celebrated foreign Composers, adapted to words by James Montgomery,’ London, 1822. He also compiled ‘Sacred Music, partly original, partly selected’ (Leeds), which included his chorus, ‘Blessed are they,’ his recitative and air, ‘The Mountains shall depart,’ and a bass solo and chorus by him, entitled ‘Amen, praise the Lord.’ The last number has been since reprinted as No. 4 of Swan & Pentland's ‘Part Music.’ Hassé composed many hymns which have not been collected.
[Leeds Intelligencer, 5 May 1831; Holland and Everett's Memoirs of James Montgomery, ii. 302; Cudworth's Round about Bradford, p. 506; private information.]