Scan 373
The violin: its famous makers and their imitators, 1875
17 lines. Read by computer on 1 October 2026. Printed page 263. See the scan on archive.org.
1well where he retailed that branch of commerce); gave the first series of concerts in this country, and a long series it was, extending over a period of 46 years. The shape the movement took was that of a musical club, which was maintained at Britton's expense.
3"Tho' mean thy rank, yet in thy humble cell,
4Did gentle peace and arts unpurchased dwell.
5Well pleased, Apollo thither led his train,
6And music warbled in her sweetest strain.
7Cyllenius too, so fables tell, and Jove
8Came willing guests to poor Philemon's grove.
9Let useless pomp behold, and blush to find
10So low a station, such a liberal mind."*
12Thus, the first germs of the great musical societies gave a marked impulse to the culture of stringed music in England. Attention was at once turned to the subject; its humanising effects were recognised, and parties met in several places for the practice of chamber music. The performances consisted chiefly of Sonatas for two Violins and a Bass, a species of composition which had a long life, to judge from the number of works of this character and date still extant.
14I have now to mention a Violinist whose talents raised the instrument greatly, particularly in England, viz., Francesco Geminiani. He was instructed by Corelli, and imbibed much of his master's breadth of style. He came to England in the year 1714.
16* These verses were written by Mr. John Hughes, who was a frequent performer on the Violin at Britton's concerts. (Hawkins.)
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