McVeigh, Simon. 1979. The Violinist in London’s Concert Life, 1750-1784: Felice Giardini and his Contemporaries. Doctoral thesis, University of Oxford [Thesis]

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Abstract or Description

According to Burney, Giardini began 'a memorable æra in the instrumental Music of this kingdom' with his first performance in London in 1750 [1751]. The period up to his departure in 1784 saw a proliferation of musical activities - winter subscription and benefit concerts (featuring the most modern music), oratorio performances, societies (some favouring ‘ancient’ music) and summer gardens concerts, besides productions at the Italian Opera and English playhouses. Private concerts abounded and music at court was far from negligible.

Many foreign violinists were attracted by British wealth. Still prominent were Italians, notably Giardini, but later in the period Germans rivalled them, especially Cramer and Salomon; and occasionally a Frenchman such as Barthelemon came to London. These four, together with the natives Pinto, Hay and Fisher, were London's principal resident violinists, opposition occasionally being provided by visitors such as Pugnani and Lamotte. Though several were significant composers, London's violinists were primarily in demand as leader and soloist. The violin solo (with continuo) remained a virtuoso showpiece until 1773, after which it rapidly declined in face of the textural variety of concert chamber music. The violin concerto was able to survive stylistic changes and its popularity was not threatened by the sinfonia concertante, a genre often heard from 1775.

Accounts of some 80 violinists are included, and also a biography of Giardini, an outstanding violinist of the century, noted for his tone and graceful. style rather than for technical wizardry. He was involved in concert and opera management; he organised charitable performances (especially for the Lock Hospital); he was a noted leader and teacher, as well as a prolific composer; and he was acquainted with many members of aristocratic and artistic circles.

Appendices list London's concert and oratorio series during the period, Giardini's works, contemporary violinists and their violin music.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Identification Number (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.5287/ora-eonj4nom4
Additional Information:	Thesis reproduced with minor corrections in an edition by Garland (1989)
Keywords:	Eighteenth-century music history, London concerts, violinists, violin music, Felice Giardini
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Music
Date:	1979
Item ID:	37912
Date Deposited:	28 Nov 2024 18:21
Last Modified:	28 Nov 2024 18:21
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/37912

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