Westminster Abbey was so beautiful and historic. Being there with so many important figures who have passed was a little haunting, but it gave me a larger appreciation for those who have done so much for humanity. The entire building was a piece of art that I’ll never forget.
One of the graves I found was of George Frideric Handel, a German-British composer in the 1700s. His grave stood out to me as I’ve actually done a few of his pieces in choir and really enjoyed them. He grew up in Germany but settled and did most of his work in London. He was one of the most important Baroque-era composers and created the genres of English oratorio and organ concerto. He also worked in Opera, creating 3 commercial opera companies to supply the English nobility with Italian opera. His music was admired and helped influence Mozart and Beethoven.
Another grave I saw was of David Garrick, an English actor, playwright, theatre manager, and producer who had a strong influence on European theatre practice in the 18th century. He was first noticed after playing Richard III in an amateur production of Shakespeares Richard III, and after growing in popularity he used his influence to reform theatre in countless ways, changing production matters and audience etiquette to make theatre and safer space to be in.
The last grave I’ll talk about out of the artist buried in Westminister Abbey is the grave of Thomas Campbell. He was a Scottish poet and was one of the initiators to start a plan to found University College London. He produced patriotic war songs in the early 19th century and had his poems set into music by influential composers such as Beethoven.
Learning more about these influential artists helps me gain a deeper understanding of my craft. Going to Westminster Abbey and not only seeing the resting site of these artists but of Nobles and many others was an incredible, interesting experience.
Theatre in London U of A 