Transcriber's Note:
Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully aspossible. Some changes have been made. They are listed at the end ofthe text.
Larger versions of the illustrations of the rioting at Covent Garden,Cliefden House and the score of Rule Britannia may be seen by clickingon the images.
Above each of the musical examples there are links to a midi file [Listen]and a MusicXML file [XML].
DR. ARNE
AND
RULE, BRITANNIA
BY
WILLIAM HAYMAN CUMMINGS,
Mus. Doc., F.S.A., Hon. R.A.M.
Author of “The Origin and History of ‘God Save the King.’”
London: NOVELLO AND COMPANY, Limited.
New York: THE H. W. GRAY CO., Sole Agents for U.S.A.
1912
PREFACE.
The glorious National Song, “Rule, Britannia,” isfamiliar to the whole British race; nevertheless veryfew men and women are acquainted with the historyof its birth and parentage.
In the following pages I have endeavoured tochronicle all the facts which are discoverable bydiligent research, and to present them in anattractive and entertaining manner.
The life of Dr. Arne, the composer of “Rule,Britannia,” offers to the reader and to the musicstudent an interesting and instructive story, showingthat natural ability, even when combined withgenius, is not sufficient to ensure a triumphantand successful career. Morality and conscientiousrectitude in the affairs of life are essential, andhad Arne exercised these, his exceptional giftsmight have enabled him to surpass his greatcontemporary, Handel.
It only remains to be noted that many lettersand documents are here printed for the first time,some of them copied from the original autographsin my possession. They illuminate much which hashitherto been obscure and uncertain in the career ofa famous composer.
William H. Cummings.