Eighteenth Century

This volume provides an account of music and musical life in 18th century Britain, with contributions by leading musicologists and musical historians. Setting the study of the century's music in a social and cultural context, the book combines musicological investigation with a clear sense of the place occupied by music in 18th century society. An introductory essay covers the background of socio-cultural history. The century is then divided roughly in two, and in each period (1700-1760, and 1760-1800) three discrete areas of music are examined: concert life, the theatre and music in the home. The contributors revalue the work of Greene, Arne, Boyce and Storace, and look in detail at the domination of London society enjoyed by Handel, J.C. Bach and Haydn. The role of women in music is discussed, as is the state of musical education. A final section looks at music in the church, and at musical literature.