In bygone eras long before electricity, CD’s, movies, and handheld devices, the world was largely silent except for in-person conversation and music performed by family members, local musicians, or–if one were wealthy enough–professional musicians and singers.

18th Century Harp, Victoria & Albert Museum, London

Most households during the Regency relied on amateur family members to provide music. The less affluent relied on their whistling or singing skills or those of street performers. Those who could afford musical instruments could usually play and expected that of their children, at least well enough to provide background music as the family gathered in the evening. If one were more accomplished, one performed in musicales designed to showcase talent and perhaps attract a suitor.

Pianoforte Victoria and Albert Museum

After-dinner Dances often occurred spontaneously, which required a willing and able musician, then moving furniture and rolling up carpets. Dinner parties often gathered to listen to music performed by members of their group in a drawing room, or, if the family were truly musical, sometimes an entire room was devoted to becoming a music room filled with instruments such as pianoforte, harp, cello, violin, flute and any number of other instruments. Any accomplished gentleman or young lady would be invited to perform. Young ladies of marriageable age was certainly expected to be “accomplished” meaning able to perform music by voice or musical instrument.

The space-efficient “Square Piano,” circa 1800, Victoria and Albert Museum

As a lover of music and a former harpist, I spent much of my time in the Music Room during my recent visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. How easy it was to pictures characters in my favorite books and movies sitting at one of these amazing musical instruments!

Author of Historical Romance and Fantasy, award-winning author Donna Hatch is a sought-after speaker and workshop presenter. Her writing awards include the Golden Rose and the prestigious Golden Quill. Her passion for writing began at age 8 she wrote her first short story, and she wrote her first full-length novel during her sophomore year in high school, a fantasy which was later published. In between caring for six children, (7 counting her husband), her day job, her work as a freelance editor and copywriter, and her many volunteer positions, she still makes time to write. After all, writing IS an obsession. All of her heroes are patterned after her husband of over 20 years, who continues to prove that there really is a happily ever after.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.