This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2023
[MUSICAL PRODIGY] CROTCH, William (1775–1847).THE ASTONISHING MUSICAL INFANT. THIS AMAZING CHILD, NAMED WILLIAM CROTCH, WAS BORN IN NORWICH. Newcastle: November 20, 1780. Letterpress handbill, printed in several type sizes, promoting the “musical phenomenon” William Crotch, performing the organ, harpsichord, and pianoforte at the House of Mr. Hawdon, No. 10 Savile Road. Crotch’s father, a master carpenter, built an organ, on which his son discovered a “great inclination” for music, learning at first common tunes such as “God save Great George Our King,” and by a little over age two drawing “crowds of people.” Crotch played before King George III, and at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. He composed an oratorio at age 14, and later became organist at Christ Church, Oxford; and music professor. 8¾ × 63/8". Small puncture mended with paper tape; slight skinning to verso.