Tremaine

Biography

Tremaine, according to Spillane's account, was a skilful cabinet-maker and musician who, before 1759, made a harpsichord of 'a most agreeable and melodious volume and tone character' for the old John Street Theatre in New York, where it was used at a benefit performance arranged by a visiting company of London actors. Tremaine had earlier been associated with the stage of that theatre as a stage carpenter and general handyman, a role Spillane compares to Crehore's own early stage work, and he subsequently became an actor, reportedly making his stage debut in 1759 at Williamsburg, Virginia, before appearing in New York. Spillane credits him as probably the first musical director in the United States, a role he essayed around 1759, and notes that he remained on the New York stage as an actor, generally respected in his profession, until after the Revolution.

Highlights

• Made a harpsichord used at the old John Street Theatre in New York for a 1759 benefit performance.
• Regarded by Spillane as probably the first musical director in the United States.
• Made his acting debut in 1759 at Williamsburg, Virginia, and remained on the New York stage until after the Revolution.

Source

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 61, 62.

Public domain.