A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Western Madrigal Society, The

by George Grove

WESTERN MADRIGAL SOCIETY, THE, was one of the results of that impulse to the study of ancient music which began in England in the latter part of the first half of this century, and which produced the Musical Antiquarian, Handel, and Motet Societies, V. Novello's Purcell, and edition of Boyce's Cathedral Music, Burns's Services and Anthems, the Parish Choir, and other monuments.

It was founded at a meeting held at 27 Soho Square, Feb. 24, 1840: its first president was Mr. Joseph Calkin, and its first conductor Mr. W. Hawes, who was succeeded by Messrs. J. Turle and James Coward, Dr. E. J. Hopkins and Dr. J. F. Bridge. Ten practice- meetings are held annually, from October to April, at the house of the Royal Society of Musicians, Lisle Street, Leicester Square. The annual subscription is two guineas, and the number of ordinary members forty. Prizes are occasionally given for the composition of madrigals. The Society has accumulated a fine library.

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