Charles Avison (pronounced /ˈeɪvɪsən/, February 1709, Tyne – May 9 or May 10, 1770, Newcastle upon Tyne) was an English composer during the Baroque and Classical periods. Year 1709 ( MDCCIX) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Events 1457 BC - Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC between Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of Events 1291 - Scottish Nobles recognize the authority of Edward I of England. Year 1770 ( MDCCLXX) was a Common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting on Friday Newcastle upon Tyne ( (often shortened to Newcastle) is a city and Metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear, England England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Baroque art redirects here Please disambiguate such links to Baroque painting, Baroque sculpture, etc The dates of the Classical period in Western music are generally accepted as 1750 to 1810 He was a church organist at St. John's Church in Newcastle and at St. Nicholas's Church (later Cathedral). St Nicholas Cathedral is a Church of England Cathedral in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, North East England. He is best remembered for his 12 Concerti Grossi after Scarlatti and his Essay on Musical Expression, the first music criticism published in English. Giuseppe Domenico Scarlatti (October 26 1685 – July 23 1757 was a Neapolitan Composer who spent much of his life in Spain and Portugal.
Life
Little is known of Avison's early life. The son of Richard and Anne Avison, both musicians, he was baptised on February 16, 1708/9 at St. John's Church. It is likely that he had early contact with Ralph Jenison, a patron of the arts, and later a member of Parliament. The Parliament of Great Britain was formed in 1707 following the ratification of the Acts of Union by both the Parliament of England and Parliament of Scotland As a young man, he travelled to London to study under Geminiani. Francesco Geminiani ( December 5, 1687 &ndash September 17, 1762) was an Italian Violinist, composer and music theorist However, his ties to his hometown remained strong, and on October 13, 1735, he was accepted the position of church organist at St. John's Church in Newcastle. Shortly after, he also became organist at nearby St. Nicholas's. Despite numerous offers of more prestigious positions later in life, he never again left Newcastle.
On January 15, 1737, Avison married Catherine Reynolds. They had three surviving children: Jane (1744-1773), Edward (1747-1776), and Charles (1751-1795). Edward and Charles both later served as organists at St. Nicholas's, and Charles published a book of hymns.
In July 1738, Avison was appointed music director of the Newcastle Musical Society. He also collaborated with John Garth's subscription concerts in Durham, and was active in local theatres. This article refers to the politician for the composer see John Garth. Durham (ˈdʌrəm in RP, locally ˈdʏrəm is a small city and main settlement of the City of Durham district of County Durham, England
The foundation of Avison's contemporary fame was his Essay on Musical Expression, published in 1752. It was the first work on musical criticism published in English.
Avison was one of the subjects in Robert Browning's Parleyings with Certain People of Importance in their Day: "Hear Avison! He tenders evidence/That music in his day as much absorbed/Heart and soul then as Wagner's music now. Robert Browning (7 May 1812 - 12 December 1889 was an English poet and playwright whose mastery of Dramatic verse, especially Dramatic monologues made him one of "
Avison died on May 10, 1770. He is buried at St. Andrew's in Newcastle.
Influence
Avison continued the Italian style tradition which Geminiani had made so popular in London. Francesco Geminiani ( December 5, 1687 &ndash September 17, 1762) was an Italian Violinist, composer and music theorist In his Concerti Grossi, in particular, he carried on Geminiani's technique of modeling orchestral concertos after sonatas by older composers. His Essay on Musical Expression criticized Handel, who was much admired in England at the time.
External links
- 18th Century English Music - short biography
- http://www.naxos.com - brief Naxos biography and discography
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