Mudge's Medley Concerto

Abstract

AbstractA previously unnoticed concerto for two horns and strings published anonymously in London probably in late 1757 or 1758 is attributable to Richard Mudge (1718–63), a clergyman-composer best known for his Six Concertos in Seven Parts. The print names it A Concerto Principally Form'd upon Subjects Taken from Three Country Dances, and there is evidence to suggest that it is identical to the Medley Concerto listed elsewhere under Mudge's name. The concerto can in turn be linked to so-called ‘Medley Concerts’ that took place in London in 1757. The country dances, on whose material Mudge draws with obvious respect for the originals, are all Scottish tunes found in James Oswald's slightly earlier collections. Mudge's original and attractive work testifies to the great interest in Scottish, in particular ‘Highland’, music in mid-eighteenth-century London, prompting reflection on the many-sided and surprisingly intimate relationship that then existed between traditional music and art music.