A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Musical Union, The

by William Barclay Squire

MUSICAL UNION, THE. An association, managed by a President, Vice-President, Committee of 15 noblemen and gentlemen, and a Director (John Ella, Esq.), which gives eight matinées of classical chamber music every season in London. The Musical Union took its origin in social gatherings held at Mr. Ella's residence, but in 1844 the society assumed its present shape, since when its annual concerts have never failed to sustain the high standard of excellence for which they were remarkable from the first. Space forbids our inserting a list of all the artists who have appeared at the Musical Union; such a list would include the names of all the most celebrated executants of the last 30 years, many of whom were first introduced into England by Mr. Ella. We can only mention that since the foundation of the society 204 artists have performed at its concerts, of whom 75 were pianists, 112 stringed, and 27 wind instrumentalists. It is impossible to estimate too highly the important influence this society has had in disseminating a taste for good music amongst the upper classes in London. The system of placing the performers in the centre of a circle, which is adopted at these concerts, gives them a social charm to which a considerable share of their success is no doubt owing; but the greatest boon which musicians owe to the Musical Union is the introduction of analytical programmes, which were first adopted by Professor Ella at these concerts. The programmes are delivered to the members a day or two before the performances take place—a plan which is highly to be commended. [App. p.727 "the association ceased to exist in 1880, and its founder, Mr. John Ella, died Oct. 2, 1888."]

[ W. B. S. ]