Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Jay, John George Henry

by Louisa M. Middleton ‎

JAY, JOHN GEORGE HENRY (1770–1849), violinist, son of Stephen Jay of Leytonstone, Essex, possibly the ‘eminent dancing-master’ referred to by Hawkins (Hist. Music, iii. 853 n.), was born on 27 Nov. 1770. He studied the violin and composition on the continent, returning to England in 1800. Jay matriculated at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, in 1809, and obtained the degree of Mus. Doc. at Cambridge in 1811. He settled in London as professor of music, and died at Chelsea on 29 Aug. 1849. His chief publications were:

1. ‘Phantasie and Two Sonatas for Pianoforte,’ London, 1801.
2. ‘Waltzes for Pianoforte, with Flute accompaniment, the Second Set, Op. 22’ (1820?).
3. Song, ‘How oft at eve,’ with flute and pianoforte accompaniment, 1846.
4. Hungarian duet.

[Dict. of Music, 1827, i. 390; Foster's Alumni Oxonienses, ii. 744; Grad. Cant.; Times, 31 Aug. 1849, p. 7; Grove's Dict. ii. 32.]

L. M. M.