“The Life of a Musician”

Abstract

Bristow’s first teacher was his father, William Richard Bristow; he later studied with George Macfarren, Ole Bull, and others. During the 1840s he performed professionally in theater orchestras (Park, National, and Olympic), joined the Philharmonic Society (1842), and soon began performing in the orchestra (1843). Important mentors included William Musgrif and George Loder. In the same decade he wrote songs, piano pieces, and chamber works, as well the Concert Overture (1845) and Sinfonia No. 1 (1847). By mid-decade he was thoroughly immersed in the thriving performance scene of the city: as an ensemble member, conductor, and solo violinist or pianist.