Background
Anderson was born in London in 1793.
pianist professor publisher treasurer violinist
Anderson was born in London in 1793.
He was engaged as violinist in a variety of orchestras. In 1837, in return for his providing the publisher Alfred Novello with an interest-free loan of £30 in order to publish Felix Mendelssohn"s Piano Concerto Number. In 1840 he became the Treasurer of the Royal Philharmonic Society, a position he held until his death.
By 1841 he was a professor of music
In 1848 he was appointed Master of the Queen"s Music by Queen Victoria, succeeding Franz Cramer. He is not recorded as having composed any music, an activity normally associated with this appointment.
He remained in the post until 1870. The circumstances of his departure are not known.
He was the last Master of the Queen"s Music to leave the post before his death, and the first since Nicholas Staggins in 1700.
He died on 14 December 1876 and was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery. A collection of his correspondence with musicians and composers is in the British Library.