Aspects of structure and idiom in the music of eighteenth century England, with special reference to the Scarlatti arrangements of Charles Avison

Thesis

The two main subjects of discussion are Avison's arrangements of Scarlatti sonatas for string orchestra, and Geminiani's arrangements of his own concerti and violin sonatas. The positions occupied by Scarlatti and Geminiani in the sphere of, critical musical opinion in England are introduced in the first chapter, and subsequently discussed in their various aspects. Structural differences between Scarlatti's sonatas and Avison's arrangements, and between Geminiani's (and Avison's) first and second thoughts on their own music form the subject of the second chapter. Scarlatti's structures are then discussed with reference to a Handel Suite movement (Allemande from Suite III), and to sonatas by various English admirers of Scarlatti. Geminiani's style and structures as illustrated in his compositions for harpsichord provide the main substance of the fourth chapter, again with reference to works by English composers (Kelway, Festing, Gibbs, Nares and Avison).

The final chapter deals with those practical aspects arising out of a consideration of the Avison/Scarlatti arrangements and the Geminiani harpsichord pieces, as examples of music written for one instrumental medium expressed in terms of another. These are attended by comparisons with English harpsichord music of the mid-eighteenth century, and also by comments from various contemporary treatises.

In addition to the text, there is a second volume, or appendix, containing music only. Included in this volume are the Avison/Scarlatti concerti complete, and a number of harpsichord works by Geminiani and various English composers.

Authors: Eckersley, C

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-6gob62avg
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: English music; Scarlatti; Domenico Scarlatti; Music; Concerto grosso; Harpsichord; Charles Avison; Harpsichord music; Avison; structure; idiom; England
• Subjects: Concerto grosso; Harpsichord music -- History and criticism; Avison, Charles, 1709-1770; Music -- England -- 18th century -- History and criticism; Scarlatti, Domenico, 1685-1757