Complete Encyclopaedia of Music/B/Bisset, Catharine

Bisset, Catharine. Eldest daughter of Robert Bisset, LL. I)., author of the "Life of Burke," and the "Reign of George III." At an early age, Miss Bisset gave promise of musical abilities. In consequence of the death of her father, when she was quite a child, she was advised by many friends to study, as a profession, that art which she had previously cultivated as an accomplishment; and notwithstanding the high rank of several of her nearest relatives, at twelve years of age she was giving lessons to assist in supporting her family. Shortly after, she became acquainted with J. B. Cramer, who, with the liberality of mind which so peculiarly characterized him, instructed her withont any emolument.

In 1811, Miss Bisset performed, at the New Musical Fund concert, Cramer's difficult concerto in C minor, with the most unbounded applause.

Having established her fame as a public performer, Miss Bisset preferred being heard at the nobility's private concerts until the season of 1823, when she was prevailed on to play at Paris, where she was enthusiastically received, and pronounced, by several of the first professors in that city, to be the only performer of the present day in the true style of her inimitable master.