THE MUSICAL PRODIGY.
In the public prints for February, 1807, appeared the following account of an infant musician.
“Miss Randles, who astonishes the world with her wonderful performance on the piano-forte, was born at Wrexham, in Denbeighshire, North Wales, in August, 1799. Her father (an organist, and the celebrated lyrist, mentioned by Miss Seward, in her beautiful poem, called Llangollen Vale,) was deprived of his sight by the smallpox, at the age of three years. When Miss Randles was but sixteen months old, she discovered her wonderful talents, by going to the piano-forte, and instinctively playing, “God save the King” and the “Blue Bells of Scotland;” her father was astonished, and endeavoured, by signs, (for she could not yet speak,) to make her repeat the tunes, which she did. He then sung another simple air, “Charley o’er the water,” which her ear caught, and she played it instantly. Mr. Randles then put her left hand upon the corresponding bass note, and, as well as he could make her understand, told her that she should strike that note, while she played the melody with her right hand; she found this grateful to her ear, and, in a short time, played a great many little tunes; and, at the age of two years, could tell the name of any note on the instrument, when it was struck, though she was in another room. Her father, of course, was very proud of his little Cecilian, and composed several variations to favourite airs, which she no sooner heard than played, with both hands, correctly. She continued to improve daily; and, in June, 1803, had the honour of performing under the patronage of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, before their Majesties, and all the royal family. His Majesty made her a present of a hundred guineas. She performed at Cumberland Gardens, and there were about five hundred of the first people of rank and distinction in the kingdom present, who were no less astonished than delighted, at her truly great execution and expression. In 1805, she was taught her notes, and, in a very short time, could play several of Pleyel’s, Desseck’s, and Clementi’s Sonatas in a surprising manner.
“Towards the latter end of 1805, she and her father took a tour through the north of England, and received the greatest encouragement and applause. Fearing that her health might suffer from too much fatigue, Mr. Randles returned home, and, in September last, set off towards Buxton, &c. Since that time, this fascinating infant has performed at most of the principal places in the kingdom; and has passed, with additional honour and fame, the criticism of Bath, where she has been performing with universal applause, accompanied by her father on the harp, and her uncle, Mr. Parry, who plays duets and trios, on flageolets, which altogether form a truly novel and interesting little band. They are now on their way to the west of England, where they intend giving concerts.
Miss Randles now plays the most scientific compositions, at sight, and sings delightfully. The only motive her father has, in taking her about, is to procure the means to give her the best education. She is to appear once more in the metropolis under illustrious patronage. Her age is now seven years and six months.”
Taunton, February 9, 1807.