Charles Godfrey (bandmaster)

Charles Godfrey (November 22, 1790, Kingston-upon-Thames – December 12, 1863, London) was an English bandmaster, drummer and bassoonist, and the founder member of an extensive musical family.[1]

He began his career as a drummer in the band of the 1st Royal Surrey Militia. From 1813 he played in the band of the Coldstream Guards as a bassoonist.[2] He was appointed director of this band in 1825.[3] He served in that position until 1834 when he was discharged from military duty, but continued to direct the group as a civilian musician.[4] In 1831 Godfrey was appointed musician-in-ordinary to King William IV. He was editor of the first English publication devoted to military music, Jullien’s Military Journal.[2]

His son Fred Godfrey succeeded him as director of the Coldstream Guards band in 1863.[5] His other son was the bandmaster Dan Godfrey who was the father of the bandmaster and Bournemouth conductor Daniel Eyers Godfrey.[6]

Musical family

References

  1. ^ Philip Scowcroft. A Sixth Garland of British Light Music
  2. ^ a b Stephen Lloyd. Sir Dan Godfrey: Champion of British Composers (1995), p. 13
  3. ^ James Duff Brown, Stephen Samuel Stratton. British Musical Biography, (1897), p. 166
  4. ^ E. D. Mackerness (2001). "Godfrey, Charles(i)". Godfrey, Charles (I). Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/omo/9781561592630.013.90000380881. ISBN 978-1-56159-263-0.
  5. ^ E. D. Mackerness (2001). "Godfrey, (Adolphus) Fred(erick)". Godfrey, (Adolphus) Fred(erick). Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/omo/9781561592630.013.90000380883. ISBN 978-1-56159-263-0.
  6. ^ E. D. Mackerness (2001). "Godfrey, Dan(iel)(i)". Godfrey, Dan(iel) (I). Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/omo/9781561592630.013.90000380882. ISBN 978-1-56159-263-0.