The Guitar at the Restoration Court - Professor Christopher Page FBA

TL;DR

The guitar gained immense popularity and favor in the court of Charles II, with renowned guitarist Francesco Corbetta playing for the king and his associates.

Transcript

ladies and gentlemen good afternoon and welcome to the fifth lecture in a series of six entitled for a courtesan queen and gallant the guitar in England from Henry the eighth to samuel peeps I do hope by the way that you may be able to join me for the very last lecture in this series which is in May not only because it has a wonderful subject which... Read More

Key Insights

• ✋ The guitar gained high prestige and favor in the court of Charles II, becoming one of the most popular instruments in the British Isles during that time.
• 🖐️ Francesco Corbetta, the court guitarist, played a significant role in popularizing the instrument and was highly esteemed by Charles II.
• 😉 The guitar's appeal to courtiers reflected their desire to please the king and engage in activities that the entire court approved.
• 🙂 The guitar served as a symbol of gallantry and charm, fitting into the light and easy morality of Charles II's court.
• 😨 Charles II's personal guitar was given great importance, with Samuel Pepys being entrusted with its care.
• 🖐️ The popularity of the guitar extended beyond the court, with amateurs like Anna Scott, Duchess of Berklue, continuing to play the instrument years after her first recorded lessons.
• ⏯️ The guitar's popularity in Charles II's court led to its widespread use and presence, with many individuals, including the Duke of York, playing the instrument.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who was invited to play the guitar in the court of Charles II?

Francesco Corbetta, the greatest guitarist in Europe, was invited by Charles II to play the guitar in the court.

Q: How did Samuel Pepys become involved with Charles II's guitar?

Samuel Pepys, a minor official, was entrusted with Charles II's personal guitar, but he almost lost it during the confusion and busyness of the King's return.

Q: What instrument did Charles II liken the guitar to?

Charles II viewed the guitar as similar to a tennis racket, both being sportive and pleasant activities to enjoy for a short period of time.

Q: How did the guitar reflect the light and easy morality of Charles II's court?

Paintings of people playing the guitar during this period often depicted women in bedroom attire, highlighting the instrument's association with sexuality and pleasure.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The return of King Charles II to England in 1660 marked the beginning of the guitar's popularity in the court.

• Samuel Pepys, a minor official at the time, was entrusted with Charles II's personal guitar, which he almost lost.

• Charles II employed Francesco Corbetta, the greatest guitarist in Europe, and the guitar enjoyed high prestige and favor in the court.