Charles Frederick Hempel – organist and composer born at Truro, Cornwall – September 1811. Raised in a musical family he became a music teacher at Truro. His song-writing career began in 1847 with Heave one sigh for me at parting – dedicated to the Countess of Falmouth. As well as songs he wrote dance music and tunes for the pianoforte. He succeeded his father as organist of St. Mary’s Church in Truro c.1844 and then organised large-scale choral performances. He obtained a Bachelor in Music from Magdalen Hall, Oxford in February 1855. Hempel was appointed organist and choir-master to St. John’s Episcopal Church at Perth; he conducted the Perth Choral Union and the Euterpean Society. Whilst at Perth, Hempel wrote several pieces of light music as well as teaching. He obtained a Doctor of Music degree in March 1862 for The Seventh Seal – performed at the Sheldonian Theatre. Four parts of this oratorio were published between 1864 and 1866. Charles Hempel died at Perth on 25 April 1867 due to congestion of the lungs.
