Complete Encyclopaedia of Music/B/Baker, Dr

Baker, Dr., a composer and eminent performer on the violin and piano-forte, was born at Exeter in the year 1764. From his mother's sister he received his first instructions, by which he was enabled, at the age of seven, to perform with precision, on the harpsichord, Handel's and Scarlatti's lessons. His first masters were Hugh Bond and the late celebrated Jackson, (at that time organist of the cathedral at Exeter,) and for the violin, Ward; which combined instructions enabled him very soon to lead the concerts is that neighbourhood.

About the age of seventeen he left Exeter for London, from whence he was received in the family of the Earl of Uxbridge, to whom he is indebted for the principal part of his musical education. He was under Cramer (the father) for the violin, and Dussek for the piano-forte. It was through this nobleman's interest, exerted in his favor, that he was permitted to perform the " Storm," in Hanover Square rooms, which, by the late Dr. Burney, was considered an inimitable imitation. During his residence as organist at Stafford, he took his degree at Oxford. The principal of Dr. Baker's works are the following, besides numerous manuscript compositions. "Three Sonatas, dedicated to Lady Wright, for the piano-forte and violin." "Three, dedicated to Countess Talbot." "Three Duets for two performers, dedicated to the Duchess of Rutland." "Six Anthems, for four, five, and six voices." "Voluntaries for the Organ." "Glees, for three and four voices, dedicated to the Earl of Uxbridge." "The Storm at Sea, and the whole of the music performed at his concert at the Hanover Square rooms." "Duets for two voices, dedicated to Miss Abrams." "The Overture and Songs of the Caffres, a musical Entertainment performed at Covent Garden Theatre." To the above may be added a great number of songs, (several sung in public by Incledon, &c.,) duets, concertos, solos for the violin, and airs with variations for the piano-forte.