The Worshipful Company of
Musicians
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Since medieval times at least, woodwind instruments have required the skills
of the wood turner.
The bore of the instrument has to be drilled and accurately shaped, with the outside turned to give precise wall thicknesses as well as to provide for joining pieces together, to combine functionality with beauty and ergonomics.
In the second half of the 17th century a new range of woodwind instruments was developed in France and spread across Europe: "baroque" designs of recorder, flute oboe and bassoon, more sophisticated in construction than their predecessors.
Some of Europe's most important makers set up their workshops in London. The two best known and most prolific were Pierre Jaillard from Bourg-en-Bresse, who took the name 'Bressan' in 1688, and Thomas Stanesby from Derbyshire, who trained as a turner in London and gained the Freedom of the Turners' Company in 1691. Their instruments are recognized as of the highest quality in tone and playing qualities of any in Europe.
Many 18th-century instruments remain playable, but are too fragile and too valuable to be used frequently. So players wanting to recreate the soundscape of Purcell, Bach, Vivaldi and Handel rely on modem reproductions. Modern makers must rediscover the skills of the old makers, in turning and in the subtleties of tuning and voicing where minuscule amounts of wood removed can make the difference between an indifferent instrument and a great one.
The Musicians Company
The
Musicians’ Company encourages and promotes musical performance and
education to the highest professional standards and particularly supports
young musicians.
The Company was established in its present form in 1500 and its First Royal Charter was granted by King James I in 1604. A New Royal Charter was awarded in 1950 by HM King George VI and the Company Celebrated its 500th Anniversary in 2000.
The Company’s affairs are directed by the Master and Wardens, elected annually, and their Court of Assistants. Day-to-day administration is undertaken by the Clerk and Deputy Clerk. There are over 350 Liverymen and women who pay an entrance fee on admission to the Company and an annual subscription thereafter.
With its roots in an ancient craft guild, the Musicians’ Company is the only City of London Livery Company devoted to the performing arts. Members, known as Liverymen, are performers, composers, instrument makers, teachers, administrators and music lovers.
The Company, through its administration of Charitable Funds focuses on helping young musicians at the start of their careers, through the provision of:
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prizes and scholarships
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performance opportunities
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medals that recognise excellence and achievement.
Classical performance and composition, brass and military bands and jazz are among the wide range of music supported. The Company’s warm fellowship, founded on a shared love of music, is demonstrated by a variety of social events that always feature live performance.