Instruments of the Enlightenment: The Story of a Clarinettist in 18th-Century Germany

Description

This study of the life and activities of the clarinettist Franz Tausch (1762–1817) serves to deliver a more holistic insight into a musical prodigy moving freely between the old world of aristocratic patronage and the newly-emerging musical consumer culture. His efforts to promote the artistic capabilities of wind instruments and wind players not only won him musical recognition, but also brought him into close contact with key members of Berlin’s aristocratic, political and cultural elite.

This paper will explore the traces of his activities, preserved through manuscripts, musical dedications, newspaper reports and contemporary writings; and will be illustrated with instruments from the Bate Collection.

Period	7 Mar 2018
Held at	Instruments of the Eighteenth Century Seminar
Event type	Seminar
Location	Oxford, United Kingdom
Degree of Recognition	National