Cailliau, Francois
Candy, James
Carbines, Arthur Vivian
Carter, Thomas Edgar
Cato, Anson
Charles Begg & Co Ltd (Begg’s)
Chattaway, Hubert Joseph
Cheek, Martin
Chilman, John
Chisholm, Thomas Runcie
Chivers, Albert Meredith
Chrisps
Cimino, Salvatore
Clark, Kate Emma McCosh
Clarke, Reginald Biggs
Clerke, Adam
Clough, John Challinor
Clutsam, Frederick
Clutsam, George Howard
Clutsam, Louisa
Cohen, Maurice
Collier, H & Son
Collier, Henry
Collier, Herbert
Connolly, James Bennett
Consterdine, Arthur
Cook, Richard
Cope, David
Copithorne, John William
Cornwell, Alice
Coupland, Harriet
Cowley, John
Cox, Lionel
Craston, Edward Sharp
Crosbie, Robert Peel
Crowther, Francis Edwin
Crozier, Albert Edward Satherley
Culpan, Arthur Frederick
Curreen, John Patrick
Cutler, Charles Lewis
Darby, William
Dasma (see Adams, Samuel)
Davy, Jessie
Davis, Daniel
Davidson, James
De Clive-Lowe, George Thomas Humphrey
De Lautour, Bertram Aubrey de Hoghton
De Maus, David Alexander
De Thierry, Charles
Dean, Frederick Lawrence
Don, Archibald Rae
Drager, Louis Charles
Dresden Pianoforte and Manufacturing Agency Ltd
Duncan, Elizabeth
Dunglison, Joseph
Dyson, Nelson
Cailliau, Francois Octavien
Music teacher, music publisher, composer, conductor, journalist
Born: 1834?, Paris, France
Died: 1907, Sydney, Australia
Active in New Zealand: 1880-1884
Despite being in New Zealand for a relatively short time, Cailliau made a significant contribution to music in New Zealand. He was born and educated in France and was bandmaster to the 57th Regiment de Line. He became involved in the communards uprising and as a result was exiled to New Caledonia to serve out his sentance. On release he was part of a group of former prisoners who chose to go to New Zealand.
In Auckland he established himself as a singing teacher and conductor of high standards, also writing for the local paper on muiscal topics. Along with his colleague Albin Villeval, he published The New Zealand Muse, the first periodical dedicated to music published in New Zealand. Although slight, each issue included technical advice along with a music supplement. He was also very involved with organising concerts, including opera. Due to the ill health of one of his daughters he and his family (he had married Henrietta Brabazon, sister to the pianist Clarice Brabazon) moved to Sydney. There he was involved with the French community and continue to teach music until his death by drowning in 1907.
Compositions and writings
Plombine: valse fanfare. (Paris: 1866)
L’harmonie rendue facile (Paris, 1869)
La composition et l’instrumentation rendue facile. (Paris, 1869)
La muse villageoise: choeur a 4 voix. (Paris, 1870)
Tavien-polka. (Paris: 1870)
Snowflake. (Auckland: New Zealand Muse, 1880)
The study of harmony made easy. Trans. Pelzer. (Auckland: New Zealand Muse, 1880)
Other resources
Nichol, E. Dedicated to the colonial music-loving public, pp. 166-177
Photo source
Cailliau family
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Candy, James
Bandmaster, clarinettist, piano tuner, teacher, retailer
Born: 1868
Died: 1938, Masterton
James Candy was a prominent figure in Masterton’s musical circles. He was conductor of the Volunteer Band, Bandmaster of the Masterton Fire Brigade Municipal Band and Conductor of the orchestra at the Wesleyan Church. Around 1904 he formed the Masterton Orchestral Society. In 1897 James Candy opened a music warehouse in Queen Street which later acted as an agent for the DIC. He closed his business in 1915.
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Carbines, Arthur Vivian
Pianist, composer, music teacher, retailer
Born: 1879, Auckland
Died: 1915, Chunuk Bair, Gallipoli, Turkey.
Arthur Carbines was identified as a youth as having considerable musical promise. He was gifted a piano by the business man Arthur H. Nathan, and was active in in wide range of musical activities. He and his family were members of the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle and he wrote a number of hymns for that congregation. He spent approxiamtely 3 years in London and had moved to New Plymouth before joining the army as a medic. He was killed at Gallipoli, tragically shot by British troops while attempting to recover a wounded soldier.
Compositions
Rangitoto – morceau a la gavotte. (London: Frederick Harris, 1907)
Jesus, my gracious friend. (Auckland: A.V.C., 1909
Hymns. (Auckland: Wilson, Giles, 1916)
Recordings:
Rangitoto. Farewell Zealandia Salon Orchestra. RNZ.
Resources:
“Bearing the wounded.” https://ww100.govt.nz/bearing-the-wounded
EN
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Carter, Thomas Edgar
Music retailer, teacher, composer
Born: 7 July 1845, Coventry, England
Died: 29 March 1924, Auckland
Active in New Zealand: 1880-1924
Thomas Carter arrived in Auckland in 1880 and later opened a music warehouse and teaching studio in Victoria Street.
Compositions
How to play the piano without any knowledge of music in 20 minutes. (Auckland, Thomas Carter, 1898)
Resources
Cyclopedia of New Zealand: Auckland District, p. 260. (Photo source).
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Cato, Thomas Anson
Anglican clergyman, vocalist, choirmaster, composer
Born: 1852, England
Died: 1923, Gisborne
Active in New Zealand: 1879-1923
Anson Cato came to New Zealand with his parents in 1879, settling first in Christchurch but moving soon to Nelson where he ministered to the local Baptist congregation. On becoming an Anglican clergyman he worked in Reefton and Wairoa, moving for a sghort time to Australia then returning to Woodville. On his appointment to the Sydenham Baptist Church his inteest in the musical movement of Moody and Sankey was noted, and he lead a number of services of song, as well as contributing solos and leading vartious choirs.
To mark the Peace celebrations of 1900 he wrote a patriotic song, which was widely distributed, and in 1902 was appointed the conductor of the newly established Opotiki choral and orchestral society.
Compositions
One flag, one speech, one empire. (Dunedin: Caxton, 1900)
EN
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Charles Begg & Co. Ltd
Location: Dunedin and then New Zealand wide
Established: 1861
Ceased business: 1970
Charles Begg & Co. Ltd (Begg’s) was established in Princes Street, Dunedin in 1861 by piano maker and tuner Charles Begg. As well as pianos the business sold music and musical instruments., and as new technologies arrived, gramophones and radios. From the 1870s smaller businesses outside Dunedin acted as Begg’s agents and in 1885 a branch in Timaru was opened. This was followed by branches in Wellington (1897), Invercargill (1900), Waimate (1907), Oamaru (1909), Nelson (1910), Christchurch (1922), Auckland (1928), Palmerston North (1943), Hamilton (1943) and then many others with more than 30 branches operating by the time the business closed in 1970.
Begg’s were the biggest publisher of New Zealand music during their existence and supported musical competition at local and national level.
Resources
Begg’s: the Musical and Electrical Centre, Audioculture
Clare Gleeson. Meet me at Begg’s: the story of Charles Begg & Co, music and appliance manufacturers and retailers, 1861-1970. (Wellington: Ngaio Press, 2012)
Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Otago and Southland Provincial Districts, p. 224.
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Chattaway, Hubert Joseph
Piano tuner and repairer
Born: 1830, Warwickshire, England
Died: 1897, Christchurch
Active in New Zealand: 1863-1897
Born Joseph Hubert Chattaway, he came to New Zealand via Tasmania where he was declared a bankrupt. Settling in New Zealand he first lived in Dunedin and earned the ire of George West by falsely claiming he was acting as a tuner and agent on West’s behalf. He then settled in Christchurch where he established his piano tuning and repair business, travelling frequently to Akaroa and Ashburton. He may have been the composer of a quick march performed by the Dunedin Rifle Volunteer Band in 1871.
Compositions
Rosalie: quick march. (Dunedin: Unpublished, 1871)
EN
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Cheek, Martin Albert
Music teacher, organist, conductor, composer
Born: 1862, London
Died: 1929, Blenheim
Active in New Zealand: 1882-1929
Settling in Blenheim in 1887 via Auckland and Waipukurau, Cheek was involved in many aspects of music in Blenheim. He was a music teacher, organist at St Andrews Presbyterian Church for over 20 years, conductor of the Marlborough Orchestral Society and Blenheim Harmonic Society. A Member of the Society of Musicians of Australasia, he was the local secretary for Trinity College of Music. He composed a number of works, one of which was published in London.
Compositions
O weary hands. (London: Musical Herald, 1893)
andante and chorale for organ. (Unpublished, 1911)
Resources
Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Marlborough and Westland District, p. 334. (Photo source).
EN
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Chilman, John
Bandmaster, teacher
Born: 1845, London, England
Died: 1881, Auckland
Active in New Zealand: 1864-1881
Reportedly trained at Kneller Hall, Chilman was Acting Bandmaster of the No.6 Company, 2nd Regiment Waikato Militia in 1864. In 1867 he was appointed Bandmaster of the Naval Volunteers. He was also in charge of the band of the Forest Rifle Volunteer Corps and the Pukekohe Rifle Volunteers. He became a teacher by profession and died at an early age of cancer of the jaw.
EN
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Chisholm, Thomas Runcie
Piano tuner, organist and choirmaster, conductor
Born: 1876, Dunedin
Died: 1946, Invercargill
Chisolm spent much of his working career in Gore. He conducted the Gore Liedertafel Choir and a number of Presbyterian and Congregational church choirs. He also worked for a period in Dunedin.
Compositions
My aeroplane. (Auckland: Brett, 1910)
The Post boy. (Wellington: H. Warren Kelly, 1916)
EN
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Chivers, Albert Meredith
Music retailer, publisher
Born: 1875, possibly Australia
Died: 1949, New Zealand
Active in New Zealand: c1903-1949
After arriving in New Zealand from Australia Albert Chivers firstly had a bicycle selling business in Auckland. He opened Chivers’ Music Stores in Christchurch in 1905, operating initially from Manchester Street and then moving to High Street. The business sold gramophones and records as well as sheet music. In 1906 a Wellington branch was opened in Lambton Quay and this later moved to Willis Street. In 1914 the Christchurch business was taken over by Webley Sons & Gofton but the Wellington business continued until c1924 when Chivers became a publican.
Chivers’ Music Stores published five original New Zealand compositions, four of which were composed by Raymond Hope .
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Chrisps
Location: Gisborne
Established: 1891
Ceased business: 1972
Also known as E. Chrisp & Son and the Gisborne Music Warehouse, Chrisp’s was a music business founded by Edmund Chrisp, initially selling mainly pianos and sheet music. From 1897 Chrisps acted as agents for Begg’s pianos. Management was taken over by Edmund’s son, James Chrisp c1900 and one of his sons trained as a piano tuner with Begg’s in Dunedin. In 1915 Chrisps opened new premises which included a large space for the display and sale of sewing machines. In 1931 James’ son, George assumed management of the business and worked a total of 52 years in the business before retiring in 1972 when the business was sold. George Chrisp played the violin and piano and his wife was a pianist who studied at the Conservatory in Sydney. Both were part of the George Chrisp Band which played in theatres and for balls and other social occasions.
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Cimino, Salvatore
surrounded by his staff, 1911
Teacher, conductor, organist, music dealer, composer
Born: 1853, Wellington
Died: 1934, Wellington
Salvatore Cimino was the son of Salvatore Cimino Snr, originally from Capri, one of Wellington’s earliest settlers. He taught a variety of instruments and in 1893 opened “The People’s Music Depot” in Willis Street, with teaching rooms above the shop. He was also conductor of St Joseph’s orchestra, conductor of the choir at St Mary’s Cathedral, violin master at St Francis Xavier’s Academy for Young Ladies and conductor of the Kaiwarra and St Patrick’s College Brass Bands. In 1892 he started the Otaki Maori Brass Band and was its bandmaster. In recognition of this the entire Cimino family were made honorary members of Ngati Raukawa. In 1897 he sold his business to Charles Begg & Co Ltd and it became their Wellington branch. Salvatore Cimino remained as manager until 1912.
Compositions
Peeping daisy polka mazurka. (Wellington: Burrett, 1873)
Peeping daisy polka mazurka. ( Wellington: Bonnington, 1880)
Divine Praises (Wellington: Unpublished, 1905)
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Clark, Kate Emma McCosh
Artist, writer, arts patron, composer
Born: 1847, Ipswich, England
Died: 1926, Auckland
Active in New Zealand: 1875-1889, 1900-1927
Kate McCosh Clark was on the Committee of the Auckland Society of Arts for 10 years and exhibited with them as well as other occasions. As the wife of the at one time mayor of Auckland she had a leading role in Auckland society and was involved in a number of charitable causes. She was also a writer, particularly during her residence in England, publishing several books with New Zealand themes. As well as her one musical publication, she wrote the lyrics to G. H. Clutsam‘s plantation song, Joe an’ me.
Composition
Farewell. Song. In memorium. (Auckland?, 1889?)
Resource
McCallum, Janet. ‘Clark, James McCosh and Clark, Kate Emma’, Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, first published in 1993, updated October, 2017. Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2c18/clark-james-mccosh
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Clarke, Reginald Biggs
Pianist, composer
Born: 1871, Tauranga
Died: 191, London, England
Reginald Clarke was performing in amateur concerts at the age of 11. When he was 14 he entered the Auckland Society of Arts composition competition and although criticised by the judge determined to make music his career. He left for Britain in 1888 and established himself as a pianist, particularly an accompanist, and composer. He performed in the 1911 Empire Festival New Zealand concert.
He had success with a number of published songs and piano pieces before dying in 1919 after a long illness.
Compositions
A Christmas Chime. (London: Novello, Ewer, 1891)
A Lament. (London: Novello, Ewer, 1892)
A Valediction. (London: Weekes, 1892)
A Song of love. (London: Weekes, 1892)
Serenade. (London: Weekes, 1893)
Three songs by Charles Kingsley. (London: Weekes, 1893)
Two songs. 1. Invocation to Sleep. 2. Spring song. (London: Weekes, [1894])
Gain and loss. (London: Weekes, 1895)
A Memory. (London: Weekes, 1895)
Swing song. (London: Weekes, 1895)
Prelude in A flat major Op.13. (London: Weekes, 1896)
The Blessed Damozel. Cantata, Op.14. (London: Weekes, 1898)
Ave Maria for solo and two-part chorus, Op.17. (London: Weekes, 1899)
The Last lover. (London: Weekes, 1899)
Pianoforte sketches. Second set. (London: Weekes, 1899)
Cinderella, a pantomime. (1900)
In sun and shade. (London: Weekes, 1900)
Italian serenade. (London: Weekes, 1900)
Phyllis. (London: Weekes, 1900)
Pianoforte Sketches. Third set. Op.21. (London: Weekes, 1900)
Ten two part songs. Op.19. (London: Weekes, 1900)
Long ago. (London: Weekes, 1901)
A Northern Song. (London: Weekes, 1901)
The ‘Skeetsers Zoon: plantation song. (London: Francis, Day and Hunter, 1902)
Home thoughts from abroad. (London: Weekes, 1903)
As parting. (London: Elkin, 1904)
Caprice in E major, Op. 26. (London: Weekes, 1905)
The Ladies of St James’s. (London: Elkin, 1905)
Old world refrain. (London: J. Church, 1910)
O Salutaris. Op.30. (London: Weekes, 1912)
Song of the Holiday Course. (London: Weekes, 1912)
Two old time pieces for the pianoforte. (London: Weekes, 1913)
The Old foundations. (London: Weekes, 1914)
EN
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Clerke, Adam
Bandmaster, music teacher
Born: 1839, London, England
Died: 1888, Hobart, Australia
Active in New Zealand: 1864, 1869
Tasmania was the primary home of musician Adam Clerke. However, he spent part of 1864 leading a Quadrille Band at the Vauxhall Gardens in Dunedin and then briefly set up as a music teacher in Whanganui in 1869. It is thought he was not he was the same person listed as cellist A. Clerke, Esq who performed in the orchestra farewelling Governor Gore Browne in Auckland in 1861 but further information is needed to confirm the identity of that musician.
Resource
Clerke, Adam. Australharmony
EN
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Clough, John Challinor
Violinist, oboeist, music teacher, tuner and repairer, bandmaster, machinist
Born: 1851, Pendlebury, England
Died: 1921, Auckland
Active in New Zealand: 1864-1910
Combining repairing musical instruments with repairing sewing machines was one business venture run by John C. Clough. He also taught primarily the violin but also a range of other instruments including the oboe and guitar, and was bandmaster of the Pukepoto Maori Brass Band.
EN
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Clutsam, Frederick
Tenor, cellist, composer, inventor
Born: 1869, West Coast. NZ?
Died: 1934, London
Active in New Zealand: 1880s
Frederick Clutsam was the younger brother of George. He was also introduced to the musical stage from an early age, appearing firstly as a cellist, and later as a tenor. It was as a singer that he moved to Melbourne in 1891, to take up a position in the choir od St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne. He also became conductor of the Melbourne Orpheus Society. He became interested in the mechanics of the piano keyboard, and developed a curved keyboard and moved to Europe to explore his ideas there.
Compositions
The sea hath its pearls. (Melbourne: W. H. Glen, 1896)
Cello sonata. (Melbourfne: Unpublished, 1892)
EN
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Clutsam, George Howard
Composer, pianist, music writer
Born: 1866, Sydney
Died: 1951, London
Active in New Zealand: 1873 – 1888
George Clustam was born in Sydney but moved to New Zealand as an infant. His musical talents were first recognised in Dunedin, where he lived with his music teacher mother and appeared on concert programmes from the age of 7. He built a reputation as a musical prodigy, playing the piano, composing and conducting. His first piece was published in 1879, and shortly after he travelled to London for further study. He returned to New Zealand, moving to Auckland after touring with the Radcliffe-Rita company, where he taught music and continued to develop his reputation as a pianist and composer.
He moved to Melbourne in 1888 to take up a role as accompanist to Amy Sherwin, and shortly afterwards moved to London to further his career. He wrote a large number of songs and was particularly successful in musical theatre. His most well known song is the plantation song Ma curly headed babby, and his arrangements of music by Schubert for the production of Lilac Time brought him great success.
Compositions (selected, pre-1920)
La pluie de pintemps. (Dunedin: Beggs, 1878)
Rita waltz (Unpublished, 1885)
Aubade, op. 14, no. 3 : pour piano. (London: Stanley Lucas, Weber, Pitt & Hatzfeld, c1897.)
Ma curly headed babby. (London: Edwin Ashdown, 1897)
If I were a lark. (London: Edwin Ashdown, 1901)
A folk song. (London: Chappell, 1902)
I know of two bright eyes : Myrra : no. 4 of Songs from the Turkish hills (London: Edwin Ashdown, 1902)
Sous sa fenetre: six etudes pittoresque, no. 6. (London: Enoch, 1904)
Just ‘cos. (London: Boosey, 1910)
Young England: a light opera in 3 acts. (London: Ascherberg, Hopwood & Crew, 1916)
See Trove, for a signficant number of digitised works by Clutsam
Resources
George H. Clutsam archive : collection of manuscripts and unpublished works. National Library of Australia
George H. Clutsam. In: Australian Variety Theatre Archive
EN
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Clutsam, Louisa
Music teacher, pianist, singer
Born: 1849?, Australia?
Died: 1922, Melbourne
Active in New Zealand: 1870?-1891
Louisa Clutsam’s maternal family (Labalestrier) were musicians and when she was deserted by her husband in Nelson in approximately 1868, she moved to Dunedin and established herself as a pianist and music teacher. She later also became a regular as a singer in a range of concerts and productions. Her two sons, George and Frederick, both showed early musical talent which she fostered.
She moved to Auckland in tha late 1880s, but after after George left to pursue his career in Australia, followed by Frederick also moving to Melbourne she relocated in 1891. She continued to teach for some years and died in 1922.
EN
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Cohen, Maurice
Violinist and viola player, conductor, local body politician, businessman
Born: 1862, Cooma, New South Wales, Australia
Died: 1934, California, USA
Active in New Zealand: 1880-1929
Educated at Christ’s College, Christchurch Cohen was conductor of the Palmerston North Orchestral Society for 17 years until 1912, and then again in his later life, also taking on the Choral Society . He lead the orchestra of the Marton Orchestral Society, was President of the North Island brass Band Association and was principal viola player in the orchestra which accompanied the touring Sheffield Choir. He also took on the role of conductor with the Palmerston Orpheus Society, the Palmerston North Amateur Operatic Society and performed in a range of chamber and charity concerts. In his business life he was managing director of the Manawatu Farmers Co-operative Association, was Mayor of Palmerston North from 1905 -1907 and a long-standing member of the Wellington Harbour Board.
Compositions
The Nightingale. (Christchurch: Lyttleton Times, 1880)
Resources:
Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Wellington Provincial District.(1897), p. 1148
“Maurice Cohen, Mayor.” Manawatu Heritage website (Photo source)
EN
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H. Collier & Co
Location: Whanganui, New Plymouth and branches
Established: 1879
Ceased business: 1980s
H Collier & Co was a music retail business in Whanganui founded by brothers Henry and Herbert Collier (see below) in 1879 after purchasing the business of Edwin King. A branch was opened in Nelson in 1880 and one in New Plymouth in 1887. There were smaller branches in Hawera. Feilding, Palmerston North, Waitara and Stratford. The Whanganui branch was closed in 1926 and the same year a four storied premises was opened in New Plymouth where the business continued until the 1980s. Both the Whanganui and New Plymouth premises are still standing.
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Collier, Henry
Organist, pianist, teacher, music retailer, publisher
Born: c1853, Manchester, England
Died: 1935, Whanganui, New Zealand
Active in New Zealand: 1877-1935
Henry Collier studied under Charles Halle and Oscar Beringer before coming to New Zealand in 1877. He was organist of St Paul’s Cathedral in Whanganui before moving to Nelson in 1888 where he became organist of Nelson Cathedral and manager of Collier’s Nelson branch. When the branch closed in 1890 he returned to Whanganui. In 1895 Henry withdrew from active participation in the music business to concentrate on farming. The artist Edith Collier was his daughter.
Other resources
Spear, Syliva. “Collier’s Century of Music” (unpublished). ACR2005-416, Puke Ariki, New Plymouth.
Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Wellington Province (1897), p. 1439.
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Collier, Herbert
Violinist, ‘cellist, teacher, music retailer, publisher
Born: Manchester, England
Died: 1857-1941
Active in New Zealand: 1879-1941
Herbert Collier studied under Charles Halle before coming to New Zealand in 1878. In 1926 Herbert retired from the business and the Whanganui branch was closed.
He was a member of the Whanganui Orchestral Society for over fifty years as player, conductor and administrator.
Other resources
Spear, Syliva. “Collier’s Century of Music” (unpublished). ACR2005-416, Puke Ariki, New Plymouth.
Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Wellington Province (1897) p. 1439.
CG
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Connolly, James Bennett
Violinist, choral director, photographer
Born: 1860, Aldershot, Surrey, England
Died: 1923, Melbourne, Australia
Active in New Zealand: 1865-1891
James Connolly first lived in Patea but by the early 1880s was established in Wellington. He was a photographer by profession but also very involved in musical activities. For many years he was the Leader of the Wellington Philharmonic Society, conductor of the Wellington Orchestral Society orchestra and performed in many ad hoc orchestras formed for charitable purposes. He was also Choral Director of the choir of St Mary of the Angels. In 1891 he moved to Sydney where he made his living as a musician.
EN
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Consterdine, Arthur Robert
Singing and piano teacher, organist, musical director, singer
Born: 1867, Manchester, England
Died: 1932, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
Active in New Zealand: 1894-1898, 1901-1903
Consterdine moved to Australia in his early 20s and worked as a church organist, music and singing teacher and musical director at a number of locations mostly in New South Wales and Queensland, spending some years in Maryborough. In 1894 he arrived in New Zealand with a theatrical company and toured as musical director and occasionally solo singer with several productions including some by the Mostyn-Dalziel Company.
In 1895 he settled for a while in Whanganui, being organist at Christ Church before moving to Thames in 1898. He returned to Australia but made a short return to Auckland in late 1901, taking up the position of organist at Mt Eden Congregational Church. In 1903 he once again left for Australia where he remained.
Compositions
Cradle song, for the cello. (Wanganui: Unpublished, 1895)
In the valley. (Dunedin: Triad, 1897)
Our Austral land. (Maryborough: Maryborough Eisteddford Committee, 1907)
EN
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Cook, Richard
Bandsman, conductor, music retailer
Born: c1851
Died: 11 June 1918, Dunedin
Active in New Zealand: c1873-1918
Richard Cook was employed by Begg’s in Dunedin from 1874 until his death in 1918. Over a period of years he played in the St Patrick’s, Railway, Dunedin Naval, Dunedin Garrison and Dunedin Citizens’ Bands. In 1890 he won the New Zealand Euphonium Championship and in 1893 became the conductor of the North-East Valley Band.
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Cope, David
Musical director, composer, violinist, music teacher, astrologer
Born: 1848, Birmingham, England
Died: 1934, Geelong, Australia
Active in New Zealand: 1874 – 1885
Trained in Germany as a violinist, David Cope decided that musical theatre was the direction he wished his career to move in and migrated to Australasia in the mid 1870s. He was musical director for a number of theatre companies including the Baker and Farron Troupe, the Auckland Theatre, J. C . Williamson’s and George Musgrove’s. While based in Auckland he published a song, Long it is, love which was performed on stage by the popular singer Miss Lizzie Morgan. An Australian edition was also produced after he moved his base to Melbourne, although he continued to tour New Zealand on several occasions. His son, also called David Cope, also worked in musical theatre.
Compositions
Auckland’s delight: galop. (Auckland: Unpublished, 1877)
Glistening gold: polka. (Auckland: Unpublished, 1877)
Long it is, love, since we parted. (Auckland: Brett, 1878)
I wait for thee. (Auckland: Star, 1878)
EN
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Copithorne, John William
Instrument repairer, music seller
Born: 1857, Ireland
Died: 1915, Wellington
Active in New Zealand: c1885-1915
John Copithorne was a member of the Wesleyan Orchestral Society and worked for the Wellington Harbour Board. From 1890 he also undertook musical instrument repairs under the name of “J U Chambers”. In 1902 he left the Harbour Board and set up a musical warehouse,”The Golden Horn” in Ingestre Street, Wellington, where, as well as repairs, he sold musical instruments and music. The business continued to operate after his death.
CG
Cornwell, Alice Ann
Composer, mining magnate, press owner
Born: 1852, England
Died: 1932, England
Active in New Zealand: 1861-1869
Alice Cornwell is most well known as a mining magnate in Australia. However, her father initially moved his family to Dunedin in the early 1860s and Alice attended school there before the family relocated to Melbourne. Alice had undertaken some initaly musical training while in Dunedin and composed a number of pieces which made reference to her time in New Zealand before she became fully involved in the world of mining, earning the nickname “Princess Midas” . See also the Feature story 24 January, 2021.
Compositions:
Weary, oh so weary (Melbourne: Troedel, 1873)
Maori March (Melbourne: Troedel, 1874)
Music, heavenly, music (Melbourne: Troedel, 1874)
Marie Edinboorskoi waltz for the piano (Melbourne: Troedel, 1874)
The Dulce Domum waltz. (Melbourne:, 1884) – published under the name Alice Whiteman
Other resources:
Griffiths, D. M. “Cornwell [other married names Whiteman, Robinson], Alice Ann (1852–1932)”. In: Oxford Dictionary of Biography (Oxford University Press onl;ine)
Photo source:
Early New Zealand photographers and their successors (https://canterburyphotography.blogspot.com/)
EN
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Coupland, Harriet
Singing and piano teacher, composer, spiritualist
Born: 1868, Ballarat, Australia
Died: 1942, 27 June, Christchurch, New Zealand
Active in New Zealand: 1896-1942
Born in Ballarat and part of a musical family, Harriet Coupland studied music in Melbourne and commenced her musical career as a teacher of voice production and singing in 1878 in Bendigo. She performed as a soloist in a variety of theatre companies including Simonson’s Italian Opera Company, but had to re-focus her career after damage to her throat prevented her from continuing to perform. She moved to New Zealand where she taught singing and piano in Christchurch. In later years she also went under the name of Madame Vernon and told fortunes, for which she was convicted in 1921. She is buried in Bomley Cemetery, Christchurch.
Compositions
Mulga Town. (Lyttleton Times, 1900)
Other resources
Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Canterbury Provincial District, p. 229 (photo source).
EN
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Cowley, John
Music retailer, composer
Active in New Zealand: 1913-1929
John Cowley worked in Begg’s Wellington branch, firstly managing the sheet music department and later the piano department. In 1913 Begg’s published his song Golden Morn and from newspaper reports it appears Begg’s assigned the London publishing rights to Francis Day Hunter who had previously published Cowley’s Valse Arabis. In 1924 Cowley left Begg’s and moved to Auckland where he managed the English and Foreign Piano Agency until it went into liquidation c1929.
Compositions
Valse Arabis. (London: Francis, Day Hunter, 1911)
Golden Morn. (Wellington: Charles Begg & Co, 1913)
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Cox, Lionel Douglas
Music teacher, piano tuner
Born: 1869?, Bristol, England
Died: 1930, Sydney, Australia
Active in New Zealand: 1878-1900
Lionel Cox first appears in the Dunedin newspaper as a pupil at Miss Vaile’s School in 1878. In 1885 he wrote a patriotic song which received some popularity both in New Zealand and Australia. Listed in the Electoral Roll as a music salesman, he also appears as a piano tuner and music teacher, particularly of instruments in the mandolin and banjo family. He lead his own Mandolin orchestra in Dunedin and advertised as having been a member of the Fletcher’s Mandolin Orchestra in London. He left Dunedin for Great Britain in the early 1900s and settled in Australia around 1909. Notice of his death in Darlinghurst in 1930 records that he was a piano tuner.
Compostions
The Old Flag. (Dunedin: Dresden, 1886)
The High School Cadet song. (Dunedin: Unpublished, 1887?)
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Craston, Edward Sharp
Organist, music teacher, composer
Born: 1856, Manchester, England
Died: 1948, Auckland
Active in New Zealand: 1907-1948
Edward Craston’s career as an organist was well-established by the time he migrated to New Zealand in 1907. Having achieved a BMus degree from Durham University, he was assistant organist at Liverpool Cathedral for many years. Soon after his arrival in Auckland he donated a collection of 15 of his anthems to Auckland City Library, and he continued to compose, mostly church anthems. He was organist at St David’s Presbyterian Church for 34 years, a music teacher, assistant examiner at the Auckland University College for some years, and for 5 years City Organist.
Compositions (post-1907 only)
Songs included in the school song book Zealandia, Vol. III – God defend New Zealand, The path to fame, New Zealand, O ship, speed o’er the ocean. (London : Curwen & Sons ; Auckland [N.Z.] : Upton & Co., [1907])
Rest. (Auckland: A. Eady, 1908)
They that go down to the sea in ships. (London: Novello, 1908)
And the Earth was reaped. (Liverpool: J. Smith, 1916, and London: Novello, 1921)
The merciful and gracious Lord. (London: Novello, 1922)
The earthquake. (Auckland: 1931)
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Crosbie, Robert Peel
Accountant, amateur musicians and composer
Born: 1835, Liverpool, England
Died: 1890, Christchurch
Active in New Zealand: 1864?-1890
A keen amateur musician and sportsman, Crosbie participated in a number of organisations in the Christchurch area. In 1885 he had published a national anthem he had written over ten years earlier, one of New Zealand’s first national songs.
Compositions
All hail! Zealandia! (Christchurch: Lyttleton Times, 1885)
Recordings
All Haill! Zealandia! YouTube March 2020
Resources
Hocken blog, November 2010
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Crowther, Francis Edwin (Frank)
Conductor, musical director, composer
Born: 1881, Dunedin
Died: 1957
Frank Crowther was a nephew of Edwin James King and a member of E. J. King’s orchestra in Wellington from the age of twelve. In 1899 he joined the Pollard Opera Company, and in 1900 was part of Dix’s Gaiety Company. From 1903 he worked with Fullers, coming to Wellington’s Theatre Royal in 1910, and in 1913 becoming musical director of His Majesty’s (St James) in Courtenay Place. He was elected conductor of the Wellington Professional Orchestra in 1921. In the early 1930s he was musical director for Filmcraft Ltd which made Government Publicity films. In 1935, he conducted the New Zealand Grand Opera Society, and in 1948, was chorus master for the Wellington Operatic and Theatre Society.
Compositions
Britons all (Territorial camp song). (Wellington: Charles Begg & Co, 1914)
There’s only one way home boys, “It’s through Berlin” (arr.). (Wellington: Charles Begg & Co, 1918)
Gallipoli patrol. (Unpublished, 1919)
Cosette. (Melbourne: Allan, 1921)
Photo source
EP/1956/0241-F, Alexander Turnbull Library.
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Crozier, Albert Edward Satherley (Bert)
Post Office employee, conductor, composer, pianist
Born: 1886, Whanganui?
Died: 1946, Marton
Bert Crozier lived and worked in Marton for most of his life, working in various roles at the Post Office for 40 years. He was actively involved in the local musical activities. runnng his own orcherstra variosuly known as Bert Crozier’s Orchestra and Crozier’s Premier Orchestra. He served for many years as conductor of the Marton Brass Band and later Marton Municipal Band, along with the Marton Operatic Society. He accompanied on the piano at many concerts and wrote a number of songs and dances, several of which were published.
Compositions
Eurotas. (Chicago: Kramer, 1908)
Utua mai: waltz. (Dunedin: Begg’s, 1912)
Exhibition (transient impressions) waltzes. Auckland: Eady, 1913)
Our Empire defenders. (Whanganui: Willis, 1914)
Logan Park’s for me. (Unpublished)
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Culpan, Arthur Frederick
Pianist, composer, salesman
Born: 1891, Auckland
Died: 1953, Auckland
Culpan was part of a musical family, activie particularly in church music. His grandfather, William Culpan had been the first organist at St Paul’s Church, and his uncle, also William, organist at St Andrew’s Church for 37 years. Arthur Culpan wrote a memorial march after the death of Richard Seddon, 10% of the proceeds of which were to go to assist with the purchase of a statue of Seddon to be erected at Seddon Technical College, Auckland.
Compositions
Seddonia memorium. (Auckland: 1907)
Resources
Culpan, Arthur. “Seddonia memoriam”, M1614 Cul. (Auckland War Memorial Museum)
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Curreen, John Patrick
Band conductor, cornet player, music teacher, farmer
Born: 1860, Tipperary, Ireland
Died: 1927, Taumaranui
Active in New Zealand: 1877-1927
Curreen was a stallwart of the brass band movement in the Manawatu. He was conductor of the Makino, Ashhurst, Riverton and Taumaranui Boys Brass Bands. In addition he was musical director for two tourin g circuses, and with his brother Edward, a violinist and music teacher, operated the Curreen Brothers String Band.
Compositions
March on Parihaka (Unpublished, pre-1884)
Aotea-roa waltz. (London: Holden, 1910)
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Cutler, Charles Lewis
Piano manufacturer, repairer and tuner
Born: 1843, Somerset, England
Died: 1899, Blenheim
Active in New Zealand: 1874-1884, 1893-1899
Charles Cutler worked for the English piano manufactures Collard and Collard before emigrating to New Zealand. He was reported to have won a prize for one of his pianos at the London Workman’s Exhibition 1872. He first established his business in Wellington with Thomas Moore, making his first piano in 1876 for a Thomas Mills. The business failed and he moved to Christchurch, employing as a piano tuner A. F. Tanner who had experience at Broadwoods, London and Begg’s in Dunedin. Cutler travelled throughout the South Island, repairing and tuning pianos and harmoniums. In 1896 it was reported that he had made over 73 pianos while in Christchurch, although it appears that he did not use New Zealand woods. He moved to New South Wales in 1884, but returned to New Zealand in 1893.
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Darby, William
Music retailer
Born: 1819, Chelmsford. England
Died: 1891, Nelson
Active in New Zealand: 1859-1891
A piano manufacturer from England, Darby settled in Nelson and set up his business in Bridge St. He expanded the shop into a Music and Musical Instrument Repository or Music Warehouse. His daughter Emma married Alfred Oakey and she managed their music business. Darby was an agent for Broadwood pianos from the start of his business.
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Dasma, see Adams, Samuel
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Davy, Jessie
Music retailer
Born: 1872, Mt Benger, Central Otago
Died: 1956, Cromwell
Active in New Zealand: 1909-1939+
Mrs (Jessie) Davy (nee McLay) of Cromwell was the organist for the local Presbyterian church and in 1909 purchased ‘the well-known Fancy Goods, Fruit and Confectionary business’ of James Little. She subsequently added a tearoom to her business. Mrs Davy acted as agent for Begg’s, and in this capacity advertised an ‘extensive stock of sheet music and latest songs on hand and arriving regularly’. Musical products were clearly an important part of her business as a photograph of Mrs Davy outside the tearooms shows ‘Musical Instruments’ advertised on the side of the building.
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Davidson, James
Organ builder, music retailer, bandmaster
Born: 1869, London
Died: ?
Active in New Zealand: 1890-?
James Davidson was apprenticed to Froom & Co in London for five years and then employed by various organ builders and musical retailers. In 1889 he went to Sydney and then a year later to New Zealand, commencing business in Timaru where after three years he began working as a travelling salesman for various musical firms.
In 1902 he joined Colliers in New Plymouth as a travellers and salesman. In 1905 he set up business on his own. He was bandmaster of the Hokitika Rifle Band and the Collingwood Town Band.
Resources
Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington Provincial Districts, p. 95 (photo source).
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Davis, Daniel
Bandmaster, composer, grocer
Born: 1825, Great Britain
Died: 1858, Auckland
Active in New Zealand: 1845-1858
Daniel Davis arrived in New Zealand as a Sergeant with the band of the 58th Regiment. He tool over as Bandmaster after the death of James Shanahan and led the Band in many military and social concerts. He was discharged from the army in 1857 and chose to stay on, setting up as a grocer but dying shortly afterwards.
In 1854 six pieces by Davis, all arranged for the piano and published by Robert Cocks in London, were advertised for sale in Auckland. Most were clearly written while he was in Auckland as the titles include mention of local dignitaries such as Colonel Wynyard, and locations such as Ruapekapeka, although one, A gallop to the diggins may have dated from the time the regiment was posted in Sydney.
Published compositions:
Governor Wynyard polka. (London: Robert Cocks, 1852)
Wynyard quadrille. (London: Robert Cocks, 1852)
Auckland waltz. (London: Robert Cocks, 1852)
Rose Anna quadrille. (London: Robert Cocks, 1852)
Ruapekapeka, Grand pas redouble. (London: Robert Cocks, 1852)
A gallop to the digging. (London: Robert Cocks, 1852)
Other resources:
Nichol, E. Dedicated to the colonial music-loving public, p. 42-45
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De Clive-Lowe, George Thomas Humphrey
Medical practitioner, writer, composer, theatre director.
Born: 1868, Bangalore, India (educated in Great Britain)
Died: 1944, Auckland.
Active in New Zealand: 1897 – 1944
Pseudonyms
Tamati Hamapere
Thomas Humphrey
Detail from:
Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-19030926-901-1
George De Clive-Lowe was a leading surgeon in Auckland from his arrival after his training in Scotland and New Zealand registration in early 1897. As well as his eminent medical career, a pioneer in radiology and bacteriology and founder of the Auckland Automobile Association De Clive-Lowe had a fascination and enthusiasm with the theatre, and musical theatre in particular. Writing under the pseudonym Thomas Humphrey, he had a number of works performed on the Auckland Stage during the 1900s, including The Lady Typist, and Manuella, culminating is his musical Runnymeade (1937) whose cast was to include a future Mayor of Auckland, Dove-Meyer Robinson.
Under the pseudonym Tamati Hamapere, De Clive-Lowe also wrote and had published the song Karo, which reflected his interest shared with Alfred Hill in Maori music.
Compositions:
Look in mine eyes. (1899)
Goodbye. (Auckland: Abel Dykes, 1900)
Fidelity. (Auckland: Unpublished, 1907)
The bell of Cuba (or Manuella). (1909)
The Tea Girl.
Sixes and sevens. (1908)
The lady typist. (1905)
The Golden Wedge. (1908)
Karo. (Auckland: Arthur Eady, 191?)
Queen o’May. (Melbourne: Allan, 1935)
Runnymeade. (1937)
Other resources:
New Zealand Memories, Feb/March 2015, p. 48-57
Harcourt, P. Fantasy & folly: the lost world of New Zealand musicals, 1880-1940, p. 80-94. (Wellington : Steele Roberts, 2002)
“Obituary.” New Zealand Herald, 31 May, 1944, p.6.
National Library of New Zealand. De Clive-Lowe, George T H, 1859-1944 : Musical works and plays
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De Lautour, Bertram Aubrey de Hoghton
Violinist, teacher, leader of string band, composer
Born: 1873, London
Died: 1933, New Zealand
Active in New Zealand: ? – 1933
Bertram de Lautour came to Port Chalmers as a child in 1884. He studied music at Tapanui and taught in Gore before moving to Dunedin where he continued teaching and also had a string band. For the last twenty years of his life he taught in Oamaru and then Timaru.
Compositions
Queen’s drive. March. (Dunedin: Charles Begg & Co, 1899)
Kaffir dance (1900, no copy)
Pretoria march (Dunedin: 1900)
Other resources
Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Otago and Southland Provincial Districts, p. 217.
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De Maus, David Alexander
Photographer, local body politician, composer
Born: 1847, Scotland
Died: 1925, Dunedin
Active in New Zealand: 1867-1925
David De Maus arrived in Dunedin aged 20 from Edinburgh, Scotland to join his brother James, who had already set up as a photographer in Dunedin. David established his own company in Port Chalmers, and became Mayor of that town on four occasions. As well as being a respected photographer, particularly of maritime subjects, he wrote and composed a number of songs and sketches on a wide range of topical subjects including football and the Union Steamship Company.
Compositions
Union Steamship Company . (Dunedin, Union Steamship, 1885)
Numerous unpublished songs.
Resources:
Murray, D. De Maus, David Alexander.
Capturing Port : D.A. De Maus: photography, music, and community spirit in nineteenth-century Port Chalmers. (Dunedin : Port Chalmers Museum, [2009] – includes a CD of various songs by De Maus.
Early New Zealand Photographers:
Alexander Turnbull Library: De Maus, David Alexander, 1847-1925 : Music scores, programmes and other papers
Reference Number: MS-Group-0539.
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De Thierry, Charles Phillipe Hypolite
Composer, harpist. music teacher, businessman, farmer
Born: 1793, Holland
Died: 1864, Auckland
Active in New Zealand: 1845-1864
Charles de Thierry showed early promise as a musician, playing the harp at the Congress of Vienna and writing some light works which were published when he was 17. He arrived in New Zealand expecting to farm a large tract of land in Northland that he believed he had purchased. However, ownership of the land was disputed, and de Thierry moved to Auckland. After a short time away in the early 1850s seeking his fortune in California he returned to Auckland where he remained. He was involved in a number of enterprises including flax manufacture and at various stages earned his living as a music teacher.
As well as the pre-New Zealand works, he composed several dance pieces during the 1860s. His Waitemata Polka (1862) was one of the first pieces published by a resident New Zealand musician and two were published posthumously.
Compositions
Waitemata Polka. (Sydney: Fussell, and Auckland: Webb, 1862)
La Folle Galop. (Auckland: Cucksey, 1866)
The North Star: waltz. (Auckland: Cucksey, 1866)
The Garland. (Auckland: Unpublished)
Resources:
Nichol, E. “Charles, Baron de Thierry – sovereign chief and musician”. Crescendo, 88, Feb/Mar 2011
J. D. Raeside. ‘Thierry, Charles Philippe Hippolyte de’, Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, first published in 1990. Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1t93/thierry-charles-philippe-hippolyte-de (accessed 30 October 2022)
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Dean, Frederick Lawrence
Bandmaster, piano teacher and piano tuner, composer, cornet and trombone player, confectioner
Born: 1864, Manchester, England
Died: 1930, Wellington
Active in New Zealand: 1884-1930
Initially setting up as a piano teacher, Dean’s predominant musical activities were in connection with military and other bands. He was secretary of the Wellington Garrison Bands, bandmaster of the Hibernian Band, Foresters Brass Band, Columbia Band, St Mary’s Band and the Wellington Cadet Military Band amongst others. He organised a series of People Popular Concerts in the mid-1890s.
Compositions
Columbia waltz (Wellington, 1888)
New Zealand’s Jubilee Waltz. (Wellington: Evening Press, 1890)
Electricity March (Wright and Rounds Military Band Journal)
Village bells. (Unpublished, 1893)
Deep in the depths of ocean, dive. (Unpublished, 1894)
Southern Echoes Waltz. (London: Vincent, 1905)
Jolly Coons Barn Dance. (London: Vincent, 1905)
Mandalay. (Wright and Rounds Military Band Journal)
Coronation: lancers. ((Wright and Rounds Military Band Journal)
March: “No.5 Company” New Zealand Engineers. (Unpublished, 1906)
My dear old Irish home. (Unpublished, 1927)
Resources
Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Wellington Provincial District, p.441. (photo source)
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Don, Archibald Rae (Archie)
Conductor, organist, music retailer, composer, piano tuner
Born: 1882, Dunedin
Died: 1932, Auckland
Born in Dunedin, Don was a member of the Kaikorai Brass Band before forming his own fife and drum band while still in his teens. After training as a church organist he moved to Gisborne in 1905 where he was a conductor and musical director. In 1914 he went to Hastings where he owned a music shop and was the local agent for Lewis Eady. He then went to Wellington in 1925 where he owned a music shop in Cuba Street and finally to Auckland where he was organist and choirmaster at St Paul’s Methodist Church in Remuera .
Archie Don collaborated with lyricist Harry Ribbands on a number of songs, including a comic opera, Marama, several of the songs from which were published separately.
Compositions
Our Territorials: a chorus march song. (Wellington: Charles Begg & Co, c1914)
We shall get there in time. (Hastings: Don’s Piano and Music Warehouse, c1915)
Strike up that band. (Hastings: Anzac Music Publishing Co, 1915)
Come canoeing down the Wanganui. (Hastings: Ribbands & Don, 1920)
The Renown: a Maori medley waltz (Wellington: Don’s Music House, c1927)
Marama: comedy opera (Hastings: Hastings Amateur Dramatic Society, 1920)
The Coo-ee call. From Marama. (Hastings: Ribbands & Don, 1920)
Recordings
Marama. Videorecording. Hastings Operatic Society. (Hastings: Reel to reel, 1995)
Other resources
Bourke, Chris. Good-bye Maoriland: the songs and sounds of New Zealand’s Great War. (Auckland: Auckland University Press, 2017), pp. 152-153
Harcourt, P. Fantasy & folly: the lost world of New Zealand musicals, 1880-1940. (Wellington, Steele Roberts, 2002), p. 104
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Drager, Louis Charles
Band master, cornet player
Born: 1839, Hannover, Germany
Died: 1915, Woodville, Manawatu
Active in New Zealand: 1859-1900
Name variants: Sometimes Draeger, Ludwig, Lewis
Drager’s trip to New Zealand was via several years in Liverpool where he was a member of a band farewelling troops to the Crimea, and a few years on the Australian goldfields. When he settled in Nelson in 1860 he formed the first Volunteer Band in Nelson which he led for many years. He performed on the cornet in many amateur concerts and was one of the local musicians employed by the English Opera Company on their trip to Nelson in 1879. He organised musical attractions to be available when opening his house and gardens in Wakefield for public picnics.
Having moved to Woodville in 1887 and taken up farming, he continued to perform on the cornet for concerts and dances.
Photo source
Tasman District Libraries. Waimea South Collection
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Dresden Pianoforte Manufacturing and Agency Ltd
Location: Dunedin, and branches
Established: 1883
Ceased business: 1939
”The Dresden” was established by David Theomin and Frederick Michaelis in 1883. Both were successful businessmen with high profiles in the general Dunedin business world and within the local Jewish community, with Theomin building his family the stately home Olveston. Theomin, whose birth surname was Benjamin, was particularly interested in music and the arts and was an active member of the Royal Male Voice Choir.
The Dresden was located on a stretch of Princes St in Dunedin which also included fellow music retailers Charles Begg’s, and George West’s. As well as a showroom, warehouse and manufacturing workshops, the building also provided rooms for music teachers to hire and a concert room. The company developed a successful model of hire-purchase of instruments and by 1907 the Dresden had branches or agencies in 60 towns throughout New Zealand.
In addition to its retail activities Theoman and his various managers (including J. A. X. Riedle) developed an active music publishing programme during the first 20-30 years. As well as individual songs and dances, they produced a music Album and re-branded the Wickens Pianoforte Literature series for the local market as the Dresden School of Music. Forced to change its name in 1915 to the Bristol Piano Company, the business eventually ceased trading in 1939.
Other resources:
Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Otago Provincial District (photo source)
Murray, D. Dresden building. Built in Dunedin website
Nichol, E. “The Dresden Pianoforte Manufacturing and Agency Company Limited: a pioneer of New Zealand music publishing. In Crescendo, no.74.
Palmer, M. ‘Theomin, David Edward’, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
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Duncan, Elizabeth, nee Burchell
Poet, composer
Born: 1858?, New Zealand
Died: 1939, Christchurch
Elizabeth Duncan (Mrs David Duncan) was more widely recognised as a poet during her years living in the Greymouth area. She published a number of topical and in memorium poems in the Grey River Argus but was also known for her musical contributions to charitable concerts.
Compositions
Sons of Zealandia (Blackwater: Kerr, Arnott and Co., 1900)
Coronation Waltz (Unpublished, 1910)
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Dunglison, Joseph Dixon
Organist, choirmaster, music teacher
Born: 1858, Cockermouth, England
Died: 1920, Sydney, Australia
Active in New Zealand: 1881-1886
Joseph Dunglison was organists and choirmaster at St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church in Dunedin from 1881-1885. At the same time he taught harmonium and piano. In 1886 he moved to Sydney where he took on a number of appointments at various Presbyterian churches in the city, and also organised some dance concerts.
Composition
Zealandia Polka Mazurka. (Dunedin: Dresden, 1885)
Photo source
Presbyterian Research Centre, Presbyterian Church Aotearoa New Zealand Archives, P-A64.42-105
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Dyson, Nelson
Law clerk, composer
Born: 1883?, England
Died: 194-?, Hawaii?
Active in New Zealand: 1900 – 1910
When Nelson Dyson returned to England it was in the hope of establishing himself as a song-writer. While in New Zealand as a part-time composer he had written several songs and had an agreement with both an English and USA music publisher. He appears to have migrated to Honolulu at some stage.
Compositions
Fifth Avenue parade : quick-step. (London: Wickins, 1904)
You are my pearl. (Melbourne: Allan, 1904)
The good old First. (Unpublished, 1905)
What we have we’ll hold. ?, 1909
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Musical Notables of New Zealand 