Charles Avison (1709-1770) was a remarkable Tyneside musician who became England's most important 18th-century concerto composer. Now the first full-length biography tells the talented composer's story, and how, through enterprise and determination, he made Newcastle upon Tyne England's greatest provincial music center of the time. The Ingenious Mr. Avison explores a world of fashionable concerts, money-making, rivalry, wigs, waistcoats, dancing, love affairs, and family tragedy. This well-researched survey also includes details of Avison's published works, a discography, and extensive notes. It is essential reading for students of English music and an informative and entertaining window onto provincial musical life in the 18th century.
Contents: Who was Charles Avison? | A new life | Friends and neighbours | Childhood | London! | A new entertainment | Work and marriage | Reaching out to new audiences | In the company of patrons | Increasing prosperity | Putting pen to paper | Confrontations | A competitor | Portrait of a musician | 'Dull songs and sleepy airs' | Tragedies | Sons and daughters | Legacy | Notes | Published compositions | Select discography | Select bibliography | Subscribers | Index
Dr Roz Southey, lecturer at Newcastle University, has written widely on music making in the northeast during the eighteenth century. Margaret Maddison is a retired librarian who has studied many aspects of the cultural and social history of the region and has written many articles for a number of journals. David Hughes is a founder member of the Avison Society and has lectured extensively on Avison and his place in the cultural life of the area.
Newcastle Libraries: Tyne Bridge Publishing, 2009
156 pages, softback
ISBN No - 978 1857951295
"This is a very enjoyable account of the life of an extraordinary Geordie. It is written primarily for the general public and should appeal to anyone interested in the music of the 18th century and the North East during the Georgian era. In addition, the book is well illustrated." Review from Amazon.co.uk