Introduction

The very translation of the Oxford music society from tavern to specially built room is symptomatic of the increasing formality and gentility associated with the public concert. Church, theatre and the military may have provided the bedrock of the nation's music, but concerts too were everywhere, from formal series and festivals, through musical societies to fashionable soirees and sociable glee clubs. Music provided enjoyment as well as erudition at every social level. Musical societies grew up in every town, formalizing the gathering of like-minded enthusiasts – perhaps cathedral singers and clergy, or amateur string-players – who met to sing sacred music or to play through concertos. The concert was an essential part of a wider business network closely allied to the selling of piano music and songs for ladies' accomplishment, or symphonies and chamber music 'as performed at Mr. Salomon's concert'.