Charles Avison

Charles Avison ( baptized on February 16, 1709 in Newcastle -upon- Tyne; † 9 or May 10, 1770 ) was an English composer.

Life

After teaching in London at Francesco Geminiani Avison 1735 was organist in his native town, he did not leave this position despite good offers. In addition to his main duties he gave harpsichord, violin and flute lessons.

As of July 1738 organized Avison subscription concerts in Newcastle and Durham, these were among the first of its kind in the Kingdom. Here he performed his own works, but also those of Jean -Philippe Rameau. Under the title Twelve Concertos in seven parts done from two Books of Lessons for the harpsichord by Domenico Scarlatti he published to Concerti Grossi edited by Domenico Scarlatti arrangements piano sonatas.

Best known Avison was the publication of a treatise on musical expression under the title An Essay on Musical Expression (1752, revised 1757, German translation 1775). It was in 1753 because of her being attacked by William Hayes ( 1708-1777 ) sharp. Avison criticized the music of the very popular in England, Georg Friedrich Händel, in direct comparison with the music of Geminiani and of Benedetto Marcello.

Avison is one of the first, which took over the system established by Geminiani lecture name > ( rinforzando ). The English music historian Charles Burney described Avison as a respected by all, imaginative and educated man. He describes him as a elegant and artfully written composers.

Works

Have been published:

• Op 1: 6 Trio Sonatas (1740 )
• Op 2: 6 Concerti Grossi (1751 )
• Op 3: 6 Concerti Grossi (1755 )
• Opus 4: 8 Concerti Grossi (1755 )
• Op 5: 6 Sonatas harpsichord (1756 )
• Op 6: 12 Concerti Grossi ( 1758)
• Op 7: Six Sonatas, for the Harpsichord, with Accompanyments, for Two Violins, Cello & a. (1760 )
• Op 8: 6 Sonatas for obbligato harpsichord, 2 violins and cello ( 1764)
• Opus 9: 12 Concerti (1766)
• Op 10: 6 Concerti Grossi (1769 )
• Works o op: 12 Concerti Grossi by Domenico Scarlatti
• An Essay on Musical Expression (1752 )