William Flackton facts for kids
William Flackton (born in 1709 and passed away in 1798) was a talented person from the 1700s. He was a bookseller and publisher, meaning he sold and printed books. But he also loved music! He played the organ and the viola, and he even wrote his own music. Today, he is most famous for the music he wrote for the viola.
Early Life and Music
William Flackton was born in a city called Canterbury in England. From a very young age, he showed a great gift for music. When he was just nine years old, he joined the choir at Canterbury Cathedral. This is a very old and famous church.
Books and Business
William started his career by learning from another bookseller named Edward Burges. By 1730, he opened his own shop. He sold stationery, like paper and pens, and also specialized in selling old and rare books. This is called the "second-hand and antiquarian book trade."
Later, William worked with his brother John. He also partnered with two people who used to work for him. His company published more than 60 books during his time.
His Love for the Viola
William Flackton had a special passion for the viola. This instrument is like a larger violin. In 1770, he published a collection of his own music called Six Solos. Some of these pieces were for the viola.
In the introduction to his music, William explained why he wrote for the viola. He felt that the viola was often overlooked in music. He wrote:
The Solos for a Tenor Violin are intended to shew that Instrument in a more conspicuous Manner, than it has hitherto been accustomed; the Part generally allotted to it being little more than a dull Ripiano, an Accessory or Auxiliary, to fill up or compleat the Harmony in Full Pieces of MUSIC; though it must be allowed, that at some particular Times, it has been permitted to accompany a Song, and likewise to lead in a Fugue; yet even then, it is assisted by one, or more Instruments in the Unisons or Octaves, to prevent, if possible, its being distinguished from any other Instrument; or, if it happens to be heard but in so small a Space as a Bar or two, 'tis quickly overpowered again with a Crowd of Instruments and lost in Chorus.
Such is the Present State of this Fine Toned Instrument, owing, in some Measure, to the Want of Solos, and other Pieces of MUSIC, properly adapted to it.
The Author takes this Opportunity of acknowledging his particular Obligations to Mr. ABEL, for inspecting this Work in Manuscript before it went to the Press; the Publication of which, it is hoped, may be productive of other Works of this Kind from more able Hands, and establish a higher Veneration and Taste for this excellent, tho' too much neglected Instrument.
He believed the viola deserved to be heard more clearly. It was often just used to fill in the background sound. He wanted to show that the viola could be a main instrument. He hoped his music would encourage other composers to write more for it. He even thanked another musician, Mr. Abel, for helping him with his work.
Other Musical Works
Besides his work with books, William Flackton was also an organist at a church called St Mary of Charity in Faversham. He played there for many years, from 1735 to 1752.
He was very interested in church music. He collected many music manuscripts, which are now kept in the British Library. One of his important church compositions is Hymns for Three Voices. He wrote this to support the Sunday school movement, which helped educate children.
William also wrote other types of music. For example, he composed a piece called A Glorious Chase for three voices and a horn. He wrote this for the Canterbury Catch Club, a group that enjoyed singing together. Today, some of his musical pieces are even used in music school exams.
