Charles William Hempel
Encyclopedia
Charles William Hempel was an English organist.
Hempel was born at Chelsea, Middlesex
, on 28 Aug. 1777, and showing very early indications of musical talent was placed under the tuition of his relative, Augustus F. C. Kollman, organist and composer. He made rapid progress, and at the age of eight performed during the service at the king's German chapel, St. James's
. He was placed later at a boarding-school in Surrey, where all his leisure time was devoted to music and drawing. In 1793–4 he was on the continent, chiefly at Leipzig
and Dresden
, where he cultivated his taste for music.
Not finding employment in London, he removed to Truro
in Cornwall
, where in May 1804 he was elected organist of St. Mary's Church (which later became Truro Cathedral
). He held this post for forty years, supplementing his income by teaching music. In 1805 he composed and printed "Psalms from the New Version for the use of the Congregation of St. Mary's," and in 1812 "Sacred Melodies" for the same congregation. These melodies became very popular, and some of them are still found in musical collections. "A Morning and Evening Service, twenty Original Melodies, and two Anthems," dedicated to the Hon. George Pelham
, bishop of Lincoln
, was published in 1820. For the use of his pupils in 1822 he printed an "Introduction to the Pianoforte, comprising Elementary Instruction, with a series of Practical Lessons."
Hempel also became known as a poet in 1822 by his work entitled "The Commercial Tourist, or Gentleman Traveller, a satirical poem in four cantos." This book was embellished with coloured engravings designed and etched by J. R. Cruikshank
, and in 1832 went to a third edition.
In his later life he removed to Exeter
, where he made an improvident second marriage. His death is involved in some obscurity. The West Briton states that he died at his son's residence, Wolsingham Place, Kennington Road, London, on 14 March 1855; but a more trustworthy source, the registrar-general's return, says that after acting as a banker's clerk he died in the workhouse, Prince's Road, Lambeth, London, on 14 March 1855. His eldest son was Charles or Carl Frederick Hempel.
Hempel was born at Chelsea, Middlesex
Chelsea, London
Chelsea is an area of West London, England, bounded to the south by the River Thames, where its frontage runs from Chelsea Bridge along the Chelsea Embankment, Cheyne Walk, Lots Road and Chelsea Harbour. Its eastern boundary was once defined by the River Westbourne, which is now in a pipe above...
, on 28 Aug. 1777, and showing very early indications of musical talent was placed under the tuition of his relative, Augustus F. C. Kollman, organist and composer. He made rapid progress, and at the age of eight performed during the service at the king's German chapel, St. James's
St. James's Palace
St. James's Palace is one of London's oldest palaces. It is situated in Pall Mall, just north of St. James's Park. Although no sovereign has resided there for almost two centuries, it has remained the official residence of the Sovereign and the most senior royal palace in the UK...
. He was placed later at a boarding-school in Surrey, where all his leisure time was devoted to music and drawing. In 1793–4 he was on the continent, chiefly at Leipzig
Leipzig
Leipzig Leipzig has always been a trade city, situated during the time of the Holy Roman Empire at the intersection of the Via Regia and Via Imperii, two important trade routes. At one time, Leipzig was one of the major European centres of learning and culture in fields such as music and publishing...
and Dresden
Dresden
Dresden is the capital city of the Free State of Saxony in Germany. It is situated in a valley on the River Elbe, near the Czech border. The Dresden conurbation is part of the Saxon Triangle metropolitan area....
, where he cultivated his taste for music.
Not finding employment in London, he removed to Truro
Truro
Truro is a city and civil parish in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The city is the centre for administration, leisure and retail in Cornwall, with a population recorded in the 2001 census of 17,431. Truro urban statistical area, which includes parts of surrounding parishes, has a 2001 census...
in Cornwall
Cornwall
Cornwall is a unitary authority and ceremonial county of England, within the United Kingdom. It is bordered to the north and west by the Celtic Sea, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by the county of Devon, over the River Tamar. Cornwall has a population of , and covers an area of...
, where in May 1804 he was elected organist of St. Mary's Church (which later became Truro Cathedral
Truro Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Truro is an Anglican cathedral located in the city of Truro, Cornwall, in the United Kingdom. It was built in the Gothic Revival architectural style fashionable during much of the nineteenth century, and is one of only three cathedrals in the United Kingdom...
). He held this post for forty years, supplementing his income by teaching music. In 1805 he composed and printed "Psalms from the New Version for the use of the Congregation of St. Mary's," and in 1812 "Sacred Melodies" for the same congregation. These melodies became very popular, and some of them are still found in musical collections. "A Morning and Evening Service, twenty Original Melodies, and two Anthems," dedicated to the Hon. George Pelham
George Pelham (bishop)
George Pelham was a Church of England bishop, serving in the sees of Bristol , Exeter and Lincoln . He began his career as Vicar of Hellingly in Sussex in 1800....
, bishop of Lincoln
Bishop of Lincoln
The Bishop of Lincoln is the Ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of Lincoln in the Province of Canterbury.The present diocese covers the county of Lincolnshire and the unitary authority areas of North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire. The Bishop's seat is located in the Cathedral...
, was published in 1820. For the use of his pupils in 1822 he printed an "Introduction to the Pianoforte, comprising Elementary Instruction, with a series of Practical Lessons."
Hempel also became known as a poet in 1822 by his work entitled "The Commercial Tourist, or Gentleman Traveller, a satirical poem in four cantos." This book was embellished with coloured engravings designed and etched by J. R. Cruikshank
Isaac Robert Cruikshank
Isaac Robert Cruikshank, sometimes known as Robert Cruikshank was a caricaturist, illustrator, and portrait miniaturist, the less well-known brother of George Cruikshank, both sons of Isaac Cruikshank. Born in Middlesex, where he and his brother George attended school in Edgware...
, and in 1832 went to a third edition.
In his later life he removed to Exeter
Exeter
Exeter is a historic city in Devon, England. It lies within the ceremonial county of Devon, of which it is the county town as well as the home of Devon County Council. Currently the administrative area has the status of a non-metropolitan district, and is therefore under the administration of the...
, where he made an improvident second marriage. His death is involved in some obscurity. The West Briton states that he died at his son's residence, Wolsingham Place, Kennington Road, London, on 14 March 1855; but a more trustworthy source, the registrar-general's return, says that after acting as a banker's clerk he died in the workhouse, Prince's Road, Lambeth, London, on 14 March 1855. His eldest son was Charles or Carl Frederick Hempel.