The Tambourine, Joseph Dale's Grand Sonata and Its Role in the Appearance of Women Musicians in the Salon

By the turn of nineteenth century composers such as Daniel Steibelt and Muzio Clementi were writing keyboard pieces with tambourine (and, occasionally, triangle) parts that clearly intended for private salon performances by girls young women. These works introduced to public European salons during early century. performed pieces, typically waltzes, bacchanals, rondos divertissements whilst on tour his English wife Catherine, daughter London-based music publisher patent manufacturer Joseph Dale. She became a renowned virtuoso, even attracting attention Bohemian musician writer Václav Jan Tomášek, who described great sensation caused Catherine's performances. I analyse different types written around year 1800. Examples short waltzes (which usually published in sets 6 or 12) are plentiful – they far most common piano them historical link between dance is obvious. argue these may have served bridging point dance-like, energetic, social activities passive, recreational drawing-room music. Further support this idea can be found Grand Sonata pianoforte, tambourine, flute, violin basso The part contains numerous choreographic instructions well wide variety playing techniques thumb rolls, bass notes harmonics, likes which did not become practice orchestral chamber repertory until twentieth Dale's intention was provide an opportunity women musicians express themselves ways contrary contemporary expectations female etiquette.