The great abuse of Musick. In Two Parts. Containing An Account of the Use and Design of Musick among the Antient Jews, Greeks, Romans, and others; with their Concern for, and Care to prevent the Abuse thereof. And also An Account of the Immorality and Profaneness, which is occasioned by the Corruption of that most Noble Science in the Present Age. By Arthur Bedford, M.A. Chaplain to His Grace Wriothesly Duke of Bedford, and Vicar of Temple in the City of Bristol.

BEDFORD, Arthur

Published by Printed by J.H. for John Wyatt, London, 1711

About this Item

8vo (20 x 12.5cm). [iv], 276 pp. Blind-tooled calf with decorative mottling, raised bands and gilt morocco title label to backstrip, rather worn, some loss to decorative panels and corners, rear hinge cracked to lower half. Unidentified monogram of previous owner to front paste-down, rear pastedown detaching from board. Light wear and creasing internally. Pp. 269-276 comprising "A canon of four parts in one, according to Mr. Purcell's rule of fuging." in musical score. P. 268 misprinted as 168. Arthur Bedford (1668?1745) wrote a number of pamphlets against the immorality of stage and church music, of which this book might be considered a summation. According to Orlando Mansfield he was 'a special pleader for the use of music in religious connections only', and had little praise for his contemporaries in composition, barring Purcell and Blow, whom he curiously judged had been taken in their prime 'as a sign of Divine "resentment," and as a "judgment for the Abuse of this Science" '. See: The Musical Quarterly, Vol. 16, No. 4 (Oct., 1930), pp. 547-562. ESTC T116425.

Seller Inventory # 000660

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The great abuse of Musick. In Two Parts. Containing An Account of the Use and Design of Musick among the Antient Jews, Greeks, Romans, and others; with their Concern for, and Care to prevent the Abuse thereof. And also An Account of the Immorality and Profaneness, which is occasioned by the Corruption of that most Noble Science in the Present Age. By Arthur Bedford, M.A. Chaplain to His Grace Wriothesly Duke of Bedford, and Vicar of Temple in the City of Bristol.
• Publisher: Printed by J.H. for John Wyatt, London
• Publication Date: 1711
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Catalogue No. 3
  • Church