Just as this great dramatic genius was descending to the tomb, young
Crotch, a rising musical genius, was brought forward into the world
with so strong a promise of eminence, that a very general desire was
expressed, that Dr. Burney would examine, counsel, and countenance him;
and at only three years and a half old, the child was brought to St.
Martin’s-street by his mother.
The Doctor, ever ready to nourish incipient talents submitted to his
investigation, saw the child repeatedly; and was so forcibly struck
by his uncommon faculties, that upon communicating his remarks to the
famous Dr. Hunter, who had been foremost in desiring the examination,
Dr. Hunter thought them sufficiently curious to be presented to the
Royal Society; where they were extremely well received, and printed in
the Philosophical Transactions of the year 1779.
For some time after this, the Doctor was frequently called upon, by
the relations and admirers of this wonderful boy, for assistance and
advice; both which he cheerfully accorded to the best of his ability:
till the happy star of the young prodigy fixed him at the University of
Oxford, where he met with every aid, professional or personal, that his
genius claimed; and where, while his education was still in progress,
he was nominated, when only fourteen years of age, organist of Christ
Church.
This event he communicated to Dr. Burney in a modest and grateful
letter, that the Doctor received and preserved with sincere
satisfaction; and kindly answered with instructive professional counsel.