Covers the period dating from Purcell to Elgar, which is traditionally seen as a dark age in British musical history. This book concentrates specifically on musical life in the provinces, bringing together archival research and offering a fresh perspective on British music of the period.

The period 1700-1900, roughly from Purcell to Elgar, has traditionally been seen as a dark age in British musical history, while research into British music of the period has tended to concentrate on London. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that by 1750 Britain had a highly distinctive musical culture, in terms of its reach, the way it was organised, and its size, richness and quality. This is the first book to concentrate specifically on musical life in the provinces, bringing together new archival research and offering a fresh perspective on British music of the period.

'The chronological presentation does allow the reader to develop a sense of the ways in which other historical developments influence music, such as the growth of the train system, as well as gain a sense of the fluctuations in popularity and success of musical activities over time.' NABMSA Newsletter