This volume delves into the vibrant world of 18th-century sociable music, presenting a curated selection of glees, catches, canons, and rounds that were central to the era's artistic and social fabric. With origins from the celebrated Apollonian Harmony, this collection highlights pieces composed by eminent masters, reflecting the age's penchant for convivial gatherings and musical ingenuity. Enhanced by a historical perspective, it celebrates the intricate compositions that animated pleasure gardens and elite clubs, offering readers a unique glimpse into the melodies and traditions of a bygone era.

Perfect for music enthusiasts and historians, the book showcases the interplay of humor, wit, and musical skill characteristic of these forms, which range from playful catches to harmoniously rich glees. The editor meticulously presents these timeless works, ensuring that modern readers and performers can appreciate their historical context and musical significance. Whether you are seeking to explore the roots of choral traditions or to revive these classics in contemporary settings, this collection stands as a treasure trove of 18th-century musical culture.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1955.