Guitar in Georgian England: A Social and Musical History

This book explores the guitar's popularity and novelty in Georgian England, its impact on social, cultural, and musical history, and its symbolism of Romanticism and stylish masculinity. It presents new scholarship drawing from digitized original source material, reasserting the guitar's long-forgotten significance in Romantic England.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 02 October 2020
Publisher: Yale University Press

This captivating social history delves into the guitar's remarkable rise to fame in Georgian England, shedding light on its profound impact on the social, cultural, and musical landscape of the era. The guitar, with its versatile applications and captivating imagery, emerged as a powerful symbol of Romanticism, permeating poetry, portraiture, and drama. Moreover, British and Irish soldiers returning from the wars in Spain and Portugal introduced the Spanish guitar, imbuing it with associations of elegant masculinity.

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the guitar's role in Georgian England, author Christopher Page has undertaken extensive research, drawing upon recently digitized original source material. This book offers a fresh perspective on the instrument, challenging prevailing narratives and illuminating its multifaceted significance.

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the guitar enjoyed immense popularity in Georgian England, captivating both musicians and non-musicians alike. It served as a versatile instrument for various musical genres, including folk, classical, and romantic compositions. The guitar's appeal lay in its ability to create a intimate and expressive sound, making it a favorite among musicians and audiences alike.

Beyond its musical significance, the guitar also played a role in shaping social and cultural norms in Georgian England. It was associated with the upper classes and was often seen as a symbol of refinement and sophistication. The instrument was featured in portraits and paintings, showcasing its elegance and refinement. Additionally, the guitar was incorporated into poetry and literature, adding a touch of romance and mystique to the works.

The guitar's popularity extended beyond the borders of England, as British and Irish soldiers returning from the wars in Spain and Portugal brought with them knowledge of the Spanish guitar. The Spanish guitar, with its distinct sound and style, quickly gained popularity in Georgian England, particularly among the upper classes. It was seen as a symbol of cultural exchange and a testament to the cosmopolitan nature of Georgian society.

However, the guitar's popularity was not without its challenges. The instrument was often associated with lower-class musicians and was considered a threat to the established musical hierarchy. There were also concerns about the guitar's impact on traditional music and the preservation of traditional musical styles.

Despite these challenges, the guitar continued to thrive in Georgian England, evolving and adapting to changing musical tastes and cultural contexts. It became a symbol of resilience and adaptability, capable of transcending social barriers and uniting people through the power of music.

In conclusion, The Guitar in Georgian England is a groundbreaking work that reclaims the importance of the guitar in eighteenth and nineteenth-century Georgian England. Through extensive research and a fresh perspective, author Christopher Page offers a comprehensive understanding of the instrument's role in shaping social, cultural, and musical history. This book is a valuable addition to the literature on music history and will appeal to scholars, musicians, and enthusiasts alike.

The guitar's journey in Georgian England was marked by its versatility and captivating imagery, making it a powerful symbol of Romanticism. Its association with the upper classes and its incorporation into poetry, portraiture, and drama further solidified its status as a symbol of refinement and sophistication. British and Irish soldiers returning from the wars in Spain and Portugal introduced the Spanish guitar, imbuing it with associations of elegant masculinity.

The guitar's popularity extended beyond the borders of England, as British and Irish soldiers returning from the wars in Spain and Portugal brought with them knowledge of the Spanish guitar. The Spanish guitar, with its distinct sound and style, quickly gained popularity in Georgian England, particularly among the upper classes. It was seen as a symbol of cultural exchange and a testament to the cosmopolitan nature of Georgian society.

However, the guitar's popularity was not without its challenges. The instrument was often associated with lower-class musicians and was considered a threat to the established musical styles. There were also concerns about the guitar's impact on traditional music and the preservation of traditional musical styles.

Despite these challenges, the guitar continued to thrive in Georgian England, evolving and adapting to changing musical tastes and cultural contexts. It became a symbol of resilience and adaptability.

In conclusion, The Guitar in Georgian England is a groundbreaking work that reclaims the importance of the guitar in eighteenth and nineteenth-century Georgian England. Through extensive research and a fresh perspective, author Christopher Page offers a comprehensive understanding of the instrument's role in shaping social, cultural, and musical history. This book is a valuable addition to the literature on music history and will appeal to scholars, musicians, and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 674g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300212471