Music in Unconventional Venues
of Nineteenth-Century Europe

edited by Francesc Cortès and Ramón Sobrino, Turnhout, Brepols, 2026 (Speculum Musicae, 60).

During the 19^th century, music thrived in a variety of private and public spaces beyond the confines of theatres and concert halls throughout Europe.

This volume decisively examines these unconventional venues, including outdoor locations such as gardens, municipal parks, squares, and fairs, alongside indoor environments such as spas and casinos.

With over eighteen chapters, this collection provides a comprehensive overview of musical activities across diverse urban settings and social contexts during the long 19^th century.

The narratives take place in vibrant cafes, gardens, amusement parks, and seaside resorts, significantly highlighting the festive periods of Carnival. Furthermore, this volume underscores the critical role of music in exhibition spaces, equestrian arenas, the world of the circus, and military parades.

By delving into these diverse spaces, we gain valuable insights into the musical landscape, where traditional concert hall and opera house audiences interacted with amateurs, dilettantes, and working-class individuals who often lacked formal education.

This exploration encompasses 19^th-century Europe, focusing on key Romantic cities such as Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, Brussels, Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona, while also considering other alternative urban contexts like Astorga, Pula, and the Austrian Riviera in Abbazia. Additionally, the outlook is completed by an authoritative study of a circus itinerary in 19^th-century England.

Francesc Cortès is Professor of Musicology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). His research has focused on contemporary Spanish music, focused in the operatic repertoire. He has edited operas such as La Fattucchiera (Cuyás, 1838), Los Pirineus (Pedrell, 1891), the catalan L’aplec del Remei (Clavé, 1858), among others. He has researched the various facets of Felip Pedrell, a key figure, and directs the cataloging of the Archive of the Societat del G. T. del Liceu (Barcelona).

Ramón Sobrino is Professor of Musicology at the University of Oviedo (Spain), where he has directed forty doctoral theses. His main field of research is music analysis, with specialisation in analytical methodologies, and Spanish music. He has published symphonic works by Monasterio, Bretón, Marqués Chapí, Torrandell, Zubiaurre, Sarasate, and others and edited Spanish Lyric works by Barbieri, Arrieta, Gaztambide, Chueca, Serrano and Rodrigo.