The original Academy of Ancient Music facts for kids
The Academy of Ancient Music was a special group of musicians in London. They were active from 1726 to 1802. Their main goal was to learn about old music by playing it. A new group with the same name started in 1973. It also focuses on playing music from the past.
Contents
How the Academy Started
The group began in 1726. It was first called The Academy of Vocal Music. Only professional musicians were allowed to join. These included singers from places like the Chapel Royal and St Paul's Cathedral. Later, singers from Westminster Abbey also joined.
Many famous people were part of the early group. These included well-known musicians like Giovanni Bononcini and Francesco Geminiani. Important political figures also joined, such as the Earl of Plymouth. The famous artist William Hogarth was also a member.
Johann Christoph Pepusch, a composer, became the musical leader. In 1731, the group changed its name. It became known as The Academy of Ancient Music.
Where They Performed
At first, the Academy met at the Crown and Anchor Tavern in London. Later, they moved their performances. They used the much larger Freemasons Hall. This hall was in Great Queen Street, Covent Garden. News about the Academy's meetings often appeared in London newspapers.
Music They Played
The Academy mostly played older music. They loved music from England made before the 1500s. They also performed later English works by composers like Purcell and Handel. Italian music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods was also a favorite.
Musical Leaders
The Academy of Ancient Music had only three main musical directors:
- 1726 - Johann Christoph Pepusch (1667–1752)
- 1752 - Benjamin Cooke (1734–1793)
- 1784 - Samuel Arnold (1740–1802)
The End of the Academy
The Academy of Ancient Music started to become less active in the late 1700s. Their last known concert was in 1802. After that, the group stopped meeting.
