Thomas Sanderson et al. in rural Cumbria - between 1800 and 1825

from An Essay on the Character, Manners, and Customs of the Peasantry of Cumberland; and Observations on the Style and Genius of the [poet Robert Anderson], pages xlvi:

Church music generally composes a part of the education of a Cumbrian peasant.  They are instructed in it by the parish clerk, or by some itinerant professor; and in the course of a few months, by the means of a good ear, and a tuneable voice, acquire as much skill in it, as to be able to gratify the taste of a country audience, at least as far as an accurate combination of sound extends.  As to the principle of the science, they and their instructors are equally ignorant.…   more >>

cite as

Robert Anderson, An Essay on the Character, Manners, and Customs of the Peasantry of Cumberland; and Observations on the Style and Genius of the [poet Robert Anderson]. In The Poetical Works of Robert Anderson, volume 1 (Carlisle, 1820), p. xlvi. https://led.kmi.open.ac.uk/entity/lexp/1658488350180 accessed: 24 December, 2024

location of experience: rural Cumbria

Listeners

Listening to

hide composers
fiddle music to accompany dancing
church music performed by a choir of Cumbrian peasant children
psalm-singing performed by a choir of Cumbrian peasant schoolchildren

Experience Information

Date/Time between 1800 and 1825
Medium live
Listening Environment in the company of others, indoors, in public

Notes

Although Sanderson’s account of music-making and listening given here is not a unique experience, it is obviously based on first-hand observation of local peasant customs. His name has therefore been included as a listener.


Originally submitted by lcc5 on Fri, 22 Jul 2022 12:12:30 +0100
Approved on Thu, 18 Aug 2022 14:30:39 +0100