RICHARD CUDMORE, born in 1787, at Chichester, in Sussex, practised not only as cellist, but also as a violin player and pianist. The organist, Forgett, of Chichester, was his first instructor, and from him he learned the violin, acquiring such proficiency that at nine years of age he played a solo at a concert in his native town. At ten years the elder Reinagle was his master for the Cello, and a year after he appeared again at a concert and played his own compositions. He then for two years pursued his studies under Salomon’s guidance, in London, when he returned to his native town, and remained there for the next nine years. The desire of giving himself up anew to the study of the Piano drove him again to London, where he subsequently appeared frequently as a Pianist. He accomplished an artistic feat of a remarkable description in Liverpool by appearing there at a concert, which he himself organised, successively as Piano, Violin, and Violoncello performer. The solos which he executed were by Kalkbrenner, Rode, and Cervetto. He was also engaged as Director of the orchestra of the “Gentlemen’s Concerts,” in Manchester, for some years. His diversity of talent was naturally an impediment to his distinguishing himself specially in one department. FREDERICK WILLIAM NICHOLLS CROUCH, best known as the author of the popular air “Kathleen Mavourneen,” was born on July 31, 1808, at Devizes. He studied under Bochsa and W. Hawes and at the Royal Academy, under Lindley. He played the cello at Her Majesty’s Theatre, and was appointed principal cellist at Drury Lane, as well as member of Queen Adelaide’s band. He went to America with Maretzek, the German composer, and has fallen into indigent circumstances “through all appearance by unavoidable misfortune.” Besides numerous other compositions, “Songs of Erin,” “Echoes of the Lakes,” &c., he produced a “Complete Treatise on the Violoncello,” Lond., 1827. THOMAS POWELL, born in 1776, in London, early devoted himself to music, and studied, besides Violoncello playing, the piano and the harp. In 1805 he appeared with success in his native town as solo cellist, in a Concerto which he had composed. He then established himself in Dublin as a teacher of music. He devoted his leisure to composition and earnest study of his instrument. His contemporaries considered him equal to Romberg, though this was probably going somewhat too far, as Powell’s name was scarcely known out of England, while Romberg, by his performances, acquired a world-wide renown. After several years’ residence in Dublin, Powell took up his permanent abode in Edinburgh. His published compositions--amongst which is a “Grand Duo” for Violin and Violoncello--belong for the most part to the sphere of chamber music. With regard to national English Violoncello playing, modern times have not been more productive than the past. Three names come before us for consideration--namely, Howell, Whitehouse, and Ould.