The Organ Concertos of Henry Burgess (1718–1786)

Abstract

Henry Burgess, Junior, ­published in 1743 the earliest known set of organ concertos by an English composer. These show strongly the influence of George Frideric Handel, whose organ concertos published as Op. 4 in 1738 invented the genre, but also reveal that of Antonio Vivaldi and – more surprisingly – the English song tradition. Though still little known, Burgess is a capable and inventive composer, whose sparkling concertos, performable either with or without orchestra, deserve a place in the repertoire.

Keywords

• henry burgess (junior)
• henry burgess (senior)
• english music
• english song
• george frideric handel
• organ concerto
• antonio vivaldi