Charles Neate

Full biography Charles Neate

Charles Neate (28 March 1784 – 30 March 1877) was a notable British musician and composer ), as well as one of the founding members of the Royal Philharmonic Society. He was trained as a pianist and quickly gained a reputation as a virtuoso performer throughout his career.

Neate had a close relationship with the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven and their correspondence is of particular interest to music historians. In 1815, Neate visited Vienna and met Beethoven, who admired his playing and became friendly with him. They remained in contact over the years and, in 1823, Beethoven dedicated his "Missa Solemnis" to Neate.

Neate himself was a prolific composer, although much of his music has been lost or forgotten. His surviving works include a number of keyboard pieces, chamber pieces, and songs. He also wrote extensively about music and composed the words to several vocal works.

Throughout his life, Neate remained an important figure in the British music scene. He was an influential teacher and performer, and played a key role in the founding of the Royal Philharmonic Society, one of the oldest music societies in the world. He also helped to organize major musical festivals and events in Britain, including the famous 1829 performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at the newly-built St. James's Hall.