Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

February 16, 1709 in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

Death

:

May 9, 1770 in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Charles Avison was a prominent English composer and music theorist of the Baroque era. He was born on February 16, 1709, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, to a family of musicians. His father, Richard Avison, was a church organist and music teacher, and his mother, Anne, was a singer. Charles Avison showed an early interest in music and began his musical education under his father's guidance. Avison's musical talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly became a skilled performer on the organ and harpsichord. He also showed an aptitude for composition and began writing music at a young age. In 1724, at the age of 15, Avison was appointed organist at St. Nicholas' Church in Newcastle, a position he held for the rest of his life. In addition to his work as a church organist, Avison was also active as a music teacher and performer. He gave regular concerts in Newcastle and other cities in England, and his reputation as a musician and composer grew steadily. In 1735, he published his first collection of keyboard music, which was well-received by critics and the public alike. Avison's most significant contribution to music, however, was his work as a music theorist. He was a strong advocate of the Italian style of music, which he believed was superior to the French style that was popular in England at the time. He wrote extensively on music theory, and his most famous work, "An Essay on Musical Expression," was published in 1752. In this work, Avison argued that music should be expressive and emotional, and that the performer should strive to convey the composer's intentions through their playing. Avison's compositions are primarily in the Baroque style, with a strong influence from the Italian composers of the time. His music is characterized by its elegance, clarity, and emotional depth. He wrote music for a variety of instruments, including keyboard, strings, and wind instruments, and his works include sonatas, concertos, and chamber music. One of Avison's most famous works is his set of 12 concertos, known as the "Opus 6 Concertos." These works were published in 1766 and were based on the music of the Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti. Avison's arrangements of Scarlatti's music were highly praised for their skillful adaptation of the original material and their elegant and expressive style. Another notable work by Avison is his set of 12 sonatas for harpsichord or piano, known as the "Opus 5 Sonatas." These works were published in 1758 and are considered some of the finest examples of English keyboard music from the Baroque era. They are characterized by their intricate counterpoint, expressive melodies, and virtuosic keyboard writing. Avison's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. His influence on English music was significant, and his advocacy of the Italian style helped to shape the direction of English music in the 18th century. His legacy as a composer and music theorist continues to be celebrated today, and his works are still performed and studied by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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