ABSTRACT
Vincent Novello was a musical enthusiast: a genuine ‘amateur’ who delighted in what he described as ‘sterling’ musical compositions. He wanted others to learn about the repertoire he first encountered as chorister and trainee organist. Turning professional he capitalized on his practical educational experiences and developed a wide-ranging career out of his musical interests and skills. The title of this book is an unsubtle play on words, of course, but it neatly encapsulates Novello’s vocation. He regarded music as a force for good in human existence and saw it as a commodity that should be accessible to all. As his career unfolded he supplied published materials for the market he knew best. His appetite for undertaking this work – angling the style and content of his editions so that they could be used by amateurs and professionals alike – was insatiable. His approach to editing was non-elitist and helpful. His mission was to raise musical standards and to promote the wider dissemination of the works of composers both ancient and modern.
