The Prince Regent is best remembered for his turbulent private
life and his political conflicts, but he was also central to the
arts in his time. The finest musicians of the time had his support,
and many artists came from all over Europe drawn by an atmosphere
in which the arts flourished. His much-lampooned Marine Pavilion
at Brighton remains a sparkling monument to 18th-century creativity
and style.
The violinist and composer Viotti, who found his way to London
at the same time as Bridgetower, was the son of a blacksmith in
Piedmont and reckoned to be the greatest classical player of his
day as well as the greatest innovator. Samuel Wesley (1766-1837)
was a composer, son of Charles and nephew of John Wesley, who spent
most of his career fighting for improvements in church music. These
were among the individuals within the Prince of Wales' circle who
now became young Bridgetower's friends and mentors, and he was equally
capable of earning his living on the professional circuit. In the
Musical Directory for 1794 his name and performances get
a straightforward listing - 'Bridgetower, George, Violin'. As a
member of the Prince's band he had to divide his activities between
the Pavilion in Brighton and Carlton House in London, and his work
and friendships at this point clearly established the foundations
for his future role in the development of professional musicianship.
Guest-curated for the British Library by Mike Phillips
Next - 'Play it again Mr Bridgetower - Beethoven and Vienna'
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