The Great Abuse of Musick. In Two Parts - Bedford, Arthur 1668-1745 (London Wyatt, 1711)
Arthur Bedford (1668–1745), was an English miscellaneous writer and Vicar. He is most notable for his pamphlets against the Theatre and popular music.
Bedford joined Jeremy Collier and other pamphleteers in their crusade against the stage, and issued a series of tracts, of which one became notorious: A Serious Remonstrance in behalf of the Christian Religion against the Horrid Blasphemies and Impieties which are still used in the English Playhouses (1719). This work cited a number of scripture texts travestied, and 7,000 "immoral sentiments" collected from English dramatists, especially those of the previous four years. Bedford also gave his attention to church music; his aim was to promote a simpler style of religious music. He published The Temple Musick (Bristol, 1706), The Great Abuses of Music (1711), and The Excellency of Divine Music (1733).
Ex libris W.H. Cummings (plate) & bonnet coll. S.H. july 27, 65. Washington D.C. (manuscript)
Containing an account of the use and design of musick among the antient Jews, Greeks, Romans, and others; with their concern for, and care to prevent the abuse thereof. And also an account of the immorality and profaneness, which is occasioned by the corruption of that most noble science in the present age.
Keywords: 18th Century (1701-1800); Music criticism; Theater criticism; Moral education; Religion