Henry Prince

Prince, Henry

Henry Prince. Music dealer, bandmaster, composer, b ?, d Montreal 1888? In 1854 he acquired the instrument retailing and sheet music business of Mead, Brother and Co, continuing its operation under his own name. The bulk of his stock was imported from the USA and Europe. However, from 18 Jul to 16 Sep 1857 in the Montreal Daily Transcript and Commercial Advertiser he advertised 'NEW CANADIAN MUSIC... National melodies of Canada and the Compositions of various popular Canadian composers.' Though Prince did not advertise publications of his own, he issued sheet music from 1854 to 1878, most of it printed and copyrighted in the USA. Most of the compositions were by Canadians, including Prince himself, William Powell, and I. Suckling.

Prince was a prolific composer of quadrilles, polkas, and other dance music. His works include the patriotic songs 'Form! Riflemen Form!' (1859; reprinted in CMH vol 3) and 'Shoulder to Shoulder on to the Border,' as well as Mermaid Polka (dedicated to the ladies of Canada) and Irresistible Polka (for the ladies of Montreal). Some of Prince's most 'Canadian' compositions, including the Jubilee or Celebration Polka (1855), dedicated to executives of the Canadian Grand Trunk Railway, were published in the USA with Prince listed on the cover as an agent.

Prince remained in business until 1888. A bandmaster of note, he led the Volunteer Militia Rifle Band and played a cornet solo at a Grand Military Concert (17 Sep 1857) in Montreal. Gustave Smith called Prince 'a true gentleman' and remarked on his 'fine talent on a cornet à piston' (L'Album musical, Feb 1882).