ABSTRACT
The period 1870 to 1890 was one of the most productive in the history of the English music festival. As far as programming was concerned there were two notable developments in this period. First, being the continued emphasis on works by English composers. Second, being the frequent inclusion of advanced German romantic works by composers such as Brahms and Wagner a movement given added impetus by the actual presence of figures such as Wagner in London during the 1870s. In many respects, the period from 1870 to 1890 represented a watershed in the history of the provincial musical festival, creating, as it did, outstanding opportunities for English composers. This period saw the establishment of several new triennial events, some of which became important in their own right. This was also the time when festivals began to be promoted in seaside and spa towns a development which continued to gather pace during the next two decades.
