Composition, Cosmopolitanism, and Musical Miscellany

Abstract

Chapter 4 discusses musical miscellany form the point of view of the composer, who was required to master a multitude of musical styles and languages in order to achieve prominence and patronage in London. Analysis of theatrical, vocal, and instrumental works by composers active between 1700 and 1720 indicate that their experiments with stylistic miscellany helped to shape the tastes of their audiences.