The History Of The Violin And Other Instruments Played On With The Bow From The Remotest Times To The Present Also An Account Of The Principal

A Cultural History of the Violin in Nineteenth-Century London

Examines the violin's evolution as not just instrument but valued objet d'art through the eyes of musicians, collectors, makers, dealers, connoisseurs, journalists, auctioneers and traders. The nineteenth century saw developments in the composition, performance and reception of classical music that led to an unprecedented shift in how the violin was appreciated, from humble craft object to one of art. A utilitarian tool defined in 1800 by its tonal properties became by century's end an expensive objet d'art, classified almost exclusively in terms of physical, visible properties. In London's vibrant musical life, Cremonese violins acquired special significance and in turn helped shape the beliefs, knowledge and behaviour of the disparate actors connected to the instrument: musicians, collectors, makers, dealers, connoisseurs, journalists, auctioneers and traders. By 1880, London had supplanted Paris as the centre of the international violin trade. One firm in particular, W.E. Hill & Sons, emerged as a major presence in both the local musical community and the global violin market. The Hills were makers, restorers, dealers, and connoisseurs. They were also writers, collectors, and melomaniacs deeply implicated in London's instrument auction and exhibition scene. The mutually reinforcing nature of these activities - which they consciously turned to account for commercial reasons - bear witness to events and developments earlier in the century. Their story illuminates this first study of the violin's nineteenth-century journey from simple musical instrument to mystified work of art.

The Influence of the Organ in History

In 'The Influence of the Organ in History,' Dudley Buck remarkably elucidates the historical evolution and cultural significance of the pipe organ. His inaugural lecture, delivered at the College of Music of Boston University, elegantly captures the symbiosis between musical development and societal change. Buck's prose weaves a tapestry of technical mastery and historical narrative, exploring the organ's role in both liturgical settings and secular spaces. Within this work, the organ emerges not merely as an instrument but as a pivotal force in the artistic and community life throughout the centuries. The scholarly tone harmonizes with a palpable passion for the subject matter, positioning this treatise as an essential reference in musical and cultural literature. Dudley Buck, an esteemed composer, organist, and music educator, possesses an authoritative voice rooted in extensive experience and deep affection for the organ. His own creative endeavors as a musician inform his insightful perspectives, allowing him to draw connections between the technical aspects of organ playing and the broader historical tapestry it has woven. His lecture reflects a lifetime devoted to studying the profound impact musical instruments, particularly the organ, have on the collective human experience. 'The Influence of the Organ in History' is a seminal work recommended for musicians, scholars, and anyone fascinated by the interplay between music and the march of time. Buck offers not just an account of the organ's significance but an invitation to appreciate the grandeur and transformative power of music. The meticulous restoration by DigiCat Publishing ensures that this classic will continue to enlighten and inspire readers, honoring Buck's contribution to the legacy of musical scholarship.

A Treatise on the Structure and Preservation of the Violin and All Other Bow-Instruments