1791–1795

Abstract

In the year 1791, Miss Thurlow (and her sister) having arrived at some excellence in Singing, in Playing upon the Piano Forte, and in the knowledge of Thorough Base; Lord Thurlow desired me to engage some Instrumental Performers, that his daughters might have a Morning Concert¹ at Dulwich: and at which he wished that Miss Thurlow might herself preside at the Piano Forte as Conductor,² in order to improve her in accompanying in thorough Base, and in reading of Music. I accordingly went to the Father of the Lindleys (a man that had but one leg), and made an arrangement with him for our morning Concerts at Dulwich, of which we had several this year. Mr. Lindley (the father), and his sons, John Lindley and Robert Lindley (the present celebrated Violoncello player), used to be at my house at Lambeth, at ten o’clock on the days fixed for the concerts. A carriage regularly came for us at that hour; and we proceeded, both Instruments and Performers, in the carriage to Dulwich. A regular bill was made of the concert by Miss Thurlow, and myself. At twelve o’clock our concert began. We used to perform various pieces of Vocal and Instrumental Music, till three o’clock. We then all dined with Mrs. Harvey, and the Miss Thurlows, and at five o’clock exactly, the carriage was ready to convey us all back to London. The Lindleys, our three Instrumental Performers at this time, only demanded half a guinea for their attendance, and this was what they actually were paid.