John Weeks Moore

“ On the 23d of February, 1809, an opera, called the "Circassian Bride," was produced at Drury Lane, with Bishop's music. On the following night, Drury Lane Theatre was burned to the ground, and the scores of the new opera were entirely consumed in the flames. This music had been received with enthusiasm by those qualified to criticize it, and there are specimens still occasionally performed, such as the duet of " I'll love thee," which amply communicate the extent of the loss. But by a calamity even of this extent, Bishop's tide of fortune was not to be turned ”

“ Bishop, Henry Rowley, was born in London in 1782, and early in life was placed under the musical tuition of the celebrated Francesco Bianchi. In the year 1806, he commenced the course of composition which still distinguishes him, by a part of the music of a ballet produced at the King's Theatre, under the title of "Tamerlan et Bajazet;" subsequently to which he wrote the ballet called "Narcisse et lets Graces." ”

“ He arranged the first volume of the "Melodies of various Nations;" three volumes of the "National Melodies" are also furnished with his symphonies and accompaniments; and he finally stipulated with Mr. Power to superintend his publications of Irish and other classical airs. ”