Rediscovering Avison

A 300th anniversary of a birth is a good reason to explore rather obscure composers—especially if it is the birth of Charles Avison.

Charles Avison (1709–1770), English Baroque and classical music composer, organist, conductor, and music critic, is considered the most important English concerto composer of the 18th century, according to the New Grove Dictionary of Music. Courtesy of The Avison Ensemble

A 300th anniversary of a birth is a good reason to explore rather obscure composers—especially if it is the birth of Charles Avison, the most notable English concerto writer of the 18th century and the first music critic in his country.

The Avison Ensemble will present a series of concerts in Newcastle, beginning Feb. 12, entitled “The Ingenious Mr. Avison 300th Anniversary Concert Series” to mark the occasion.

The Avison Ensemble, established in Newcastle, consists of first-class European musicians and soloists who devote their efforts to rekindling the magic of Avison’s works by following his original arrangements using period instruments.

Charles Avison: England’s Own

Despite being overshadowed by Handel’s influence in London, Avison was widely appreciated for his effort to promote musical awareness in his hometown of Newcastle and throughout England. He established a grassroots standard for playable, melodic, yet elegant classical music.
 
With almost 80 concerti grossi, Avison continued the Italian concerto tradition as a pupil of Francesco Geminiani and later of Arcangelo Corelli. His 24 sonatas with keyboard accompaniment made him a good follower of the Jean-Philippe Rameau example. He also made great contributions in spreading the works of Domenico Scarlatti by promoting his 12 concertos of Opus 6 in 1758.