In the public prints for February, 1807, appeared the following account
of an infant musician.
“Miss Randles, who astonishes the world with her wonderful performance
on the piano-forte, was born at Wrexham, in Denbeighshire, North Wales,
in August, 1799. Her father (an organist, and the celebrated lyrist,
mentioned by Miss Seward, in her beautiful poem, called Llangollen
Vale,) was deprived of his sight by the smallpox, at the age of three
years. When Miss Randles was but sixteen months old, she discovered
her wonderful talents, by going to the piano-forte, and instinctively
playing, “God save the King” and the “Blue Bells of Scotland;” her
father was astonished, and endeavoured, by signs, (for she could not
yet speak,) to make her repeat the tunes, which she did. He then sung
another simple air, “Charley o’er the water,” which her ear caught, and
she played it instantly. Mr. Randles then put her left hand upon the
corresponding bass note, and, as well as he could make her understand,
told her that she should strike that note, while she played the melody
with her right hand; she found this grateful to her ear, and, in a
short time, played a great many little tunes; and, at the age of two
years, could tell the name of any note on the instrument, when it was
struck, though she was in another room. Her father, of course, was
very proud of his little Cecilian, and composed several variations
to favourite airs, which she no sooner heard than played, with both
hands, correctly. She continued to improve daily; and, in June, 1803,
had the honour of performing under the patronage of his Royal Highness
the Prince of Wales, before their Majesties, and all the royal family.
His Majesty made her a present of a hundred guineas. She performed at
Cumberland Gardens, and there were about five hundred of the first
people of rank and distinction in the kingdom present, who were no
less astonished than delighted, at her truly great execution and
expression. In 1805, she was taught her notes, and, in a very short
time, could play several of Pleyel’s, Desseck’s, and Clementi’s Sonatas
in a surprising manner.
“Towards the latter end of 1805, she and her father took a tour through
the north of England, and received the greatest encouragement and
applause. Fearing that her health might suffer from too much fatigue,
Mr. Randles returned home, and, in September last, set off towards
Buxton, &c. Since that time, this fascinating infant has performed
at most of the principal places in the kingdom; and has passed, with
additional honour and fame, the criticism of Bath, where she has
been performing with universal applause, accompanied by her father
on the harp, and her uncle, Mr. Parry, who plays duets and trios, on
flageolets, which altogether form a truly novel and interesting little
band. They are now on their way to the west of England, where they
intend giving concerts.
Miss Randles now plays the most scientific compositions, at sight,
and sings delightfully. The only motive her father has, in taking her
about, is to procure the means to give her the best education. She is
to appear once more in the metropolis under illustrious patronage. Her
age is now seven years and six months.”
_Taunton, February 9, 1807._