Second edition of a book which caused huge controversy in its first
printing - now completely revised and updated. Argues that research into
the cultural history of music can significantly help our understanding
of the evolution of English national identity. Only book of its kind to
cover such a revolutionary period in British music. Looks at how music
reflected the privileged elite, ignoring the vast majority of 'music
lovers', and was crucial in the construction of a British national
identity. The second edition features a new and expanded introduction, a
new chapter on Mendelssohn's Elijah - and the complete text has also
been updated and revised.