Willoughby Bertie, 4th Earl of Abingdon

Full biography Willoughby Bertie, 4th Earl of Abingdon

Willoughby Bertie, the 4th Earl of Abingdon, was a British composer who lived between 1740 and 1799. He was born into an aristocratic family and received his education at Oxford University, where he became interested in music. His early compositions were largely influenced by the Italian Baroque style.

Abingdon composed mainly instrumental music, notably for the flute and harpsichord, and also wrote a number of songs. His works were well-received during his time and were often performed in various salons and music societies in London.

Abingdon’s most famous work is his six sonatas for the flute and harpsichord, which were published in 1770. These sonatas are characterized by lively, sprightly melodies and harmonies, as well as the interplay between the two instruments. They have since become staples in the flute and harpsichord repertoire.

Despite his accomplishments as a composer, Abingdon’s music fell out of favor in the 19th century and was largely forgotten. However, in recent decades, there have been efforts to revive Abingdon’s music and bring it to a wider audience.

Abingdon lived a full life, serving in the British Army and owning a racing stable. However, his passion for composing remained a constant throughout his life. Today, he is remembered as a gifted composer, whose relatively unknown music had a profound impact on the musical landscape of his time.