Charles Smith
Charles Smith (1786–1856) was an English singer, organist, and composer of theatrical music and songs. Born in London, he was the grandson of Edward Smith, page to the Princess Amelia, and son of Felton Smith, a chorister at Christ Church, Oxford. He began his musical education at the age of five under Thomas Costellow and later became a chorister at the Chapel Royal under Edmund Ayrton. Smith sang the principal solo in the anthem for the marriage of Princess Charlotte Augusta Matilda in 1797.
In 1798, he apprenticed with John Ashley and performed at various venues, including Ranelagh Gardens. After his voice broke, Smith shifted focus to teaching and organ-playing, serving as a deputy organist at the Chapel Royal and Croydon Chapel. He later became the organist of Welbeck Chapel and collaborated with Isaac Pocock on theatrical music, producing works like "Yes or No!" and "Hit or Miss."
Smith resumed singing bass parts in 1813 and married Miss Booth of Norwich in 1815. He later moved to Liverpool for a lucrative position and eventually retired to Crediton, Devon, where he died on November 22, 1856. Among his compositions, a setting of Thomas Campbell's "Battle of Hohenlinden" was particularly popular.
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