Cheryll Duncan (2015)

PhD by Published Work: Music and musicians in the equity and common law courts of England during the long eighteenth century

Cheryll_Duncan_sqCheryll’s research arises from a systematic search of legal documents as sources of new information concerning professional musical culture in London c.1690-c.1760.

Recent publications have focused largely on opera singers and their managers, but the whole range of the music industry is represented in litigation; work in progress includes studies of composers, music retailers and publishers.

The documents provide fascinating new insights into such details as contracts, operatic and concert administration, performance fees, theatrical practices and even shopping habits!