Complete Encyclopaedia of Music/A/Abingdon, Lord

Abingdon, Lord, was an excellent per-former on the flute, and composed for that instrument. He is said to have expended much money in fruitless attempts to support Bach and Abel's concerts. After the loss of � 1600, his lordship declined to volunteer any further pecuniary guaranty, and the profession determined to try their fortune in carrying them on. From 1785 to 1793, the performances continued to flourish; but the opposition established by Salomon, and the in-creasing taste for vocal music, put an end to the efforts of the professors in that year. This musician was piqued at being left out of' the professional concerts, and hearing that Haydn had been engaged by Lord Abingdon, and that he was disappointed by the termination of his lord-ship's management, Salomon brought Haydn to London. It is to this circumstance that the world probably owes those symphonies which are among the finest monuments of instrumental art. Haydn was engaged not only to compose. but to direct the performance of his productions; and thus he was roused by every motive, and excited by the highest instances of talent that could be engaged in his service.