The painter Thomas Gainsborough was a keen viol player, whose teacher was the German-born, London-based Carl Friedrich Abel. They struck up a firm friendship, and Abel is thought to have written a number of pieces for his enthusiastic pupil. Lucie Skeaping chats to viol-player Richard Boothby about Abel and Gainsborough’s relationship and the music that stemmed from it.
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The painter Thomas Gainsborough was a keen viol player, whose teacher was the German-born, London-based Carl Friedrich Abel. They struck up a firm friendship, and Abel is thought to have written a number of pieces for his enthusiastic pupil. Lucie Skeaping chats to viol-player Richard Boothby about Abel and Gainsborough’s relationship and the music that stemmed from it. -
In Komm, süsses Kreuz (Matthew Passion) and the opening of Gottes Zeit (cantata BWV 106) Bach uses the viol as the instrument which will sear into the soul like no other. And for me viol consort music (Byrd, Lawes and amazingly Purcell) is music to meditate to. So I'm a big fan of the viol da gamba. The played examples in this programme, though of a somewhat different nature, are all played with incredible dexterity. Abel was quite a guy. I do recommend a listen if you share my love of the instrument. -
And what a fine portrait Gainsborough painted of Abel.Comment
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You may be able (Abel??) to see it here. But be careful not to buy a copy by accidentally clicking the wrong button!
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Looks like he did a second portrait, too:
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I was totally engrossed in this, I knew Gainsborough was a music lover but had know idea he was so heavily involved in it to have been a very fine performer and collector of instruments, a most enlightening programme, well done Radio 3!Comment
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3 days left to listen – 1h 10 mins Omnibus : Gainsborough by James Hamilton
“A legacy from his uncle gives 13-year-old Thomas Gainsborough the means to leave Sudbury and travel to London where the arts and crafts are flourishing. He studies engraving with Gravelot and finds work decorating the entertainment kiosks in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens.”
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