Appendix 1 - Letter to David Perez in Lisbon, 1774

Summary

Invitation sent from James Mathias under the auspices of the Academy of Ancient Music in 1774, translated into English. Latin original now in the Museo internazionale e biblioteca della musica, Bologna, I-Bc II.109 (for a reproduction, see Fig. 3, p. 103).

The Academy instituted for the recitation of Ancient Music to David Perez of Naples, the elegant, learned and illustrious musician:

For sixty years a gathering has been held in this city for those most devoted to music, who at that time were committed to both its theory and practice. Their plan was to stop those old musicians Prenestini, Allegri, Carissimi and others who in the previous century happily cultivated harmony from falling into desuetude; they founded an academy to resurrect the works of these men and those of their kind. The enterprise was not in vain: it grew day by day such that today it easily ranks among the more famous ones. Perhaps nowhere else does there exist a library that is larger or more select; for the more outstanding musicians, both foreigners and nationals, decided to give their works to the academy. Among them it will be pleasing to count you, Good Sir. Therefore the formal gathering voted, with one voice and with the approval of all, to give you a medal cast in gold.

Continue, we urge you, continue to delight us that live with your outstanding Art and Doctrine. May you also deign to become a member of the Society, in order that the Academy be further decorated and so that the rest of men to come may know that such and so great a man favoured us.

Sent from London in the year of our Saviour 1774

James Mathias, President