James Hook

Hook was an applied musician who could teach guitar, harpsichord, spinet, violin, the German flute as well as the organ. In Norwich he performed at a variety of concerts and also advertised that he could tune keyboard instruments. At the age of 17 or 18 he went to London where he became the organist at White Conduit House and entertained guests daily. Vauxhall was a second home to him as he was its director. There he composed over 2,000 songs including "The Lass of Richmond Hill," "Lucy Gray of Allendale," and "Within a Mile of Edinboro' Town." Hook composed numerous stage works, cantatas, concertos, chamber pieces, and keyboard works. Much of Hook's music can be described as delightful and charming rather than pedantic and trite as occasions so many prolific song composers. The compositions display the influence of Lord Kelly and J.C. Bach, and later in life, the inlfuence of Haydn. Pedagogically he wrote the "Guida di musica" which demonstrates his ability and concern with teaching. It is a tribute to the merit of his keyboard and concert pieces that they bear revival. Hook's style was consistently up-to-date. © Keith Johnson /TiVo