Charles Hague

Charles Hague (1769–1821) was an English violin player, who became professor of music at Cambridge University.

Hague was born at Tadcaster, Yorkshire, and was taught music and the violin by an elder brother. In 1779 he moved with his brother to Cambridge, where he studied the violin under Antony Manini, and thorough-bass and composition under Hellendaal the Elder. He acquired a reputation as a violin player, which led to a friendship with Joseph Jowett, then regius professor of civil law. Manini died in 1785, and Hague moved to London and studied under Johann Peter Salomon and Benjamin Cooke. On his return to Cambridge he took pupils, among whom was Dr. William Crotch, and in 1794 proceeded Mus.B. In 1799 he succeeded John Randall as professor of music, and in 1801 proceeded Mus.D.

Hague died at Cambridge 18 June 1821. His eldest daughter, Harriot Hague, an accomplished pianist, who published in 1814 Six Songs, with an Accompaniment for the Pianoforte, died in 1816, aged 23.

Hague's main works were:

• By the Waters of Babylon. An Anthem composed for the Degree of Bachelor of Music, and performed 29 June 1794.
• Glees.
• Twelve Symphonies by Haydn, arranged as Quintets.
• The Ode as performed in the Senate-house at Cambridge at the Installation of his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, Chancellor of the University. This ode was written by William Smyth, professor of history.

Hague also assisted James Plumptre, fellow of Clare College, Cambridge, in the publication of A Collection of Songs, 1805.