HAMPDEN, Ida

Ida was born in 1867 in the city of Bath, into an old and respected family. From an early age she received instruction in playing the violin and the piano and became an accomplished player of both instruments. As a young woman she joined a small orchestra which toured theatres, music halls and other venues around the country. During one such event she met the pianist Ezra Read and they were married soon afterwards, in 1886. They made a joint decision to try their hands as composers of piano music and to that end they took a course in harmony and musical composition. Ezra’s first piece was published only a year after their marriage and his wife, who composed under her maiden name of Ida Hampden, had her first piece, a barn dance called ‘Stolen Moments’ , published the following year, 1888. Over the next 25 years their compositions were published widely, by many leading music publishers in London, Australia, and America. Several journals and provincial newspapers also printed their works. The couple continued to play together in popular concerts. Perhaps their most exciting event being when they were invited to perform at The Royal Military Ball held in honour of The Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward V11. Ida played the piano and violin while Ezra played the organ, a musical combination which they often used.