The Careers of British Musicians, 1750–1850
A Profession of Artisans

This study focuses on the day-to-day lives and careers of musicians in Britain from 1750–1850.

Deborah Rohr (Author)

9780521027731, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 November 2006

248 pages, 1 map 21 tables
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.381 kg

'… scholars will welcome its thoroughness, reliability and accessibility … it is hoped that the seeds Dr Rohr has sown will continue to bear fruit.' Eighteenth-Century Music

The study of the social context of music must consider the day-to-day experiences of its practitioners; their economic, social, professional and artistic goals; and the material and cultural conditions under which these goals were pursued. This book traces the daily working life and aspirations of British musicians during the sweeping social and economic transformation of Britain from 1750 to 1850. It features working musicians of all types and at all levels - organists, singers, instrumentalists, teachers, composers and entrepreneurs - and explores their educational background, their conditions of employment, their wages, the systems of patronage that supported them, and their individual perceptions. Deborah Rohr focuses not only on social and economic pressures but also on a range of negative cultural beliefs faced by the musicians. Also considered are the implications of such conditions for their social and professional status, and for their musical aspirations.

List of tables
Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
Introduction
1. The social and professional status of musicians in the eighteenth century
2. Social profile
3. Patronage
4. Musical education
5. Church musicians
6. Secular musicians: singers
7. Secular musicians: instrumentalists
8. Teachers, composers, and entrepreneurs
9. The fortunes of musicians
10. The struggle for social and professional status
Epilogue
Appendix
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Individual composers & musicians, specific bands & groups [AVH], Classical music [c 1750 to c 1830 AVGC4]