The Blackwell History of Music in Britain: The Seventeenth Century

The Seventeenth Century is Volume 3 of the six volume Blackwell History of Music in Britain. It complements The Romantic Age 1800–1914 edited by Nicholas Temperley, and The Eighteenth Century by H. Diack Johnstone and Roger Fiske.

In British music, the seventeenth century was dominated by Henry Purcell, one of the greatest of English composers. This volume explores the social and cultural background to the music of the period, and gives a thorough historical context to developments in British music. In a series of contributions by leading musicologists and musical historians various aspects of music making are examined.

Following an introductory section on the social and cultural background of the seventeenth century, there are chapters on church music, the stage, chamber music, the development of a solo instrument repertory, vocal music and musical literature. The masque and its place in theatre music is examined, as are vocal forms including the madrigal and ayre. Keyboard music is treated independently of the developing lute repertory. Important new material is included on consort music in the period.

There is a full range of music examples, a thorough bibliography and index.

Foreword.

Contributors.

Preface and Acknowledgements.

1. Music and Society: Ian Spink (Royal Holloway and Bedford New College).

2. Church Music I, Before the Civil War: Lionel Pike (Royal Holloway and Bedford New College).

3. Church Music II, From 1660: Ian Spink.

4. Vocal Music I, up to 1660: David Greer (University of Durham).

5. Vocal Music II, from 1660: Ian Spink.

6. Consort Music I, up to 1660: Christopher D. S. Field (University of Edinburgh).

7. Consort Music II, from 1660: Michael Tilmouth and Christopher D. S. Field.

8. Music for the Stage I, before the Civil War: Peter Holman (Colchester).

9. Music for the Stage II, from 1650: Margaret Laurie (Reading University Music Library).

10. Barry Cooper (University of Aberdeen).

11. Solo Music for Tablature Instuments: Matthew Spring (London).

12. Writings about Music: Rosamond McGuinness (Royal Holloway and Bedford New College).

Notes.

Bibliography and Abbreviations.

Index.

Ian Spink is also the series editor for the Blackwell History of Music in Britain and his publications include An Historical Approach to Musical Form (1967) and English Song: Dowland to Purcell (1974).

"Excellent." Blackwell History

"Blackwell′s latest volume must be highly praised and recommended to anyone with an interest in this period. We have a deservedly expanding bibliography of our island′s musical story." Musical Times

"The most comprehensive account yet of English music of the period. This is a book that has been awaited for a long time. Comes up to expectations." Early Music News