ABSTRACT
For most of the nineteenth century the provincial festivals were, along with most other musical organizations of the time, greatly dependent on the talents of foreign musicians, as many principal conductors and vocal soloists were of Continental origin. Conductors were, of course, among the most prestigious of performers at the provincial festivals. Although ultimately accountable to their festival committee, the conductors performed a wide range of activities and were held responsible by press and public alike for the ultimate success or failure of the whole event. During the final years of the century the press played an increasingly important role. The opinions of music critics were noted and often acted upon by festival organizers, and there was a real sense in which the critics became arbiters of public opinion. Moreover, chronological survey is through press reviews that contemporary opinions regarding what was acceptable performance practice come to light.
