Matthew Dubourg facts for kids

Matthew Dubourg (1703 – 3 July 1767) was an English violinist, conductor, and composer. He spent most of his life living and working in Ireland. One of his biggest achievements was leading the orchestra for the very first performance of Georg Friedrich Handel's famous musical work, Messiah.

Early Life and Musical Training

Matthew Dubourg was born in London in 1703. His father was a well-known dancer at the London court, but his mother's name is not known.

When he was just nine years old, in 1712, Matthew showed his musical talent. He performed a piece by the composer Corelli while standing on a stool at a musical gathering.

Two years later, in 1714, he began to study with Francesco Geminiani. Geminiani was a very famous Italian violinist and composer. Matthew performed in several concerts in London that year, showing off his skills.

Life and Work in Dublin

On 17 June 1727, Matthew Dubourg married Frances Gates in Stanmore, Middlesex. They had one daughter named Elizabeth.

From 1728 to 1764, Dubourg worked as a lead musician, known as a concert-master, in Dublin. He held an important official title: "Chief Composer and Master of the Music attending His Majesty's State in Ireland." This meant he was in charge of music for the King's official events in Ireland, often held at Dublin Castle.

Matthew Dubourg was a very important part of Dublin's music scene. He worked closely with his friend and former teacher, Geminiani, to make music flourish in the city.

Matthew Dubourg and Handel's Messiah

Dubourg is most famous for leading the orchestra during the first performances of Handel's Messiah. He had worked with Handel many times before, starting as early as 1719 in London.

The very first performance of Messiah took place in Dublin on 13 April 1742, at a place called "Mr Neale's Music Hall."

The choirs from Dublin's cathedrals were allowed to sing in the performance. This permission came from Jonathan Swift, the dean of Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Swift is also famous for writing the book Gulliver's Travels. Even though Swift allowed his choir members to perform, he wasn't always kind about Dubourg's orchestra. He once called them "a club of fiddlers in Fishamble Street."

During the performance, Handel himself led the music from the harpsichord, while Dubourg conducted the orchestra. Despite Swift's comments, Handel was very happy with the musicians. He wrote that the instruments were "really excellent" with "Mr. Dubourgh being at the Head of them." He added that the music sounded "delightfully."

There's a famous story about Dubourg and Handel. During a concert in 1742, Dubourg played a cadenza. This is a part where the musician plays alone and can show off their skills. Dubourg played a very long and complex cadenza, going far from the original tune. When he finally returned to the main melody, Handel supposedly said, "Welcome home, Monsieur Dubourg."

After the first Messiah performances, Dubourg traveled to London with Handel. They performed other works together, including Samson and L'Allegro ed il Penseroso. Dubourg also played in the London premiere of Messiah in 1743 before returning to Dublin in October.

Musical Compositions

Matthew Dubourg also wrote several musical pieces. Some of his works are still played today, especially in Britain. He enjoyed taking well-known Irish tunes and changing them to fit the late Baroque music style. An example of this is his Variations of Druid Tunes. His variations on the sonatas (Op. 5) by Arcangelo Corelli are also often heard.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1752, Dubourg became the Master of the Royal Chapel in London. He held this important position until he passed away. When Handel died in 1759, he left money to Dubourg in his will, showing their close friendship.

Matthew Dubourg died on 5 July 1767, at the age of 64. He left most of his belongings to his wife, Frances. His tombstone reads:

"Here lyeth the body of Matthew Dubourg, chief composer and master of music in the kingdom of Ireland, servant to four generations of the illustrious House of Hanover, George I. and II., his Royal Highness the late Prince of Wales, and His present Majesty; as also instructor in Music to their Royal Highnesses the Duke of Cumberland and the late Prince Frederick. He died July 5, 1767, aged 64."

Sources

• Entry on Dubourg in the French Wikipedia
• Notes on Handel's Messiah by Jeffrey Thomas, Music Director of the American Bach Soloists