author

George Dubourg

1799–1882

A 19th-century English writer on music, he is best remembered for a lively and often reprinted book on the violin and its great performers. He also wrote song lyrics, including the words to John Parry’s popular "Wanted a Governess."

1 Audiobook

The Violin Some Account of That Leading Instrument and Its Most Eminent Professors, from Its Earliest Date to the Present Time; with Hints to Amateurs, Anecdotes, etc.

The Violin Some Account of That Leading Instrument and Its Most Eminent Professors, from Its Earliest Date to the Present Time; with Hints to Amateurs, Anecdotes, etc.

by George Dubourg

About the author

George Dubourg (1799–1882) was an English writer on the violin and a songwriter. He was the grandson of the violinist Matthew Dubourg, and his best-known book, The Violin, first appeared in 1836 and was reprinted many times afterward.

During much of his working life, he served in the British Museum, while continuing to write about music. His work helped introduce general readers and amateur musicians to the history of the violin, its leading players, and the instrument’s place in musical life.

Though he is now chiefly remembered for his writing, he also contributed lyrics for songs. His career sits at an interesting meeting point of music history, popular song, and Victorian literary culture.