Matthew Dubourg
| Matthew Dubourg | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1703 London |
| Died | July 5, 1767 London |
| Resting place | Paddington Cemetery, London |
| Occupation | Musician/Composer |
| Known for | conductor of Premiere performance of Handel's Messiah |
| Home town | Dublin |
| Title | Chief Composer and Master of the Music in Ireland |
| Spouse(s) | Frances |
| Children | Elizabeth |
| Parent(s) | Isaacs, a famous dancer of the London stage and court |
Matthew Dubourg (1703 – 3 July 1767) was an English violinist, conductor, and composer who spent most of his life in Ireland. Among other achievements, Dubourg led the orchestra at the premiere of Georg Friedrich Handel's great oratorio Messiah.
Dubourg was born in London, the illegitimate son of a court dancing master, his mother's identity is unknown. In 1712, at age 9, he performed a Corelli sonata standing on a stool at the home of Thomas Britton. At age 11, in 1714, he furthered his studies under the celebrated Italian violinist, composer and music theorist Francesco Geminiani. He performed a sonata at the Queen's Theatre in March 1714, a benefit concert in May at Hickford's room, as well as many other performances during the London season.
On 17 June 1727 he married Frances, the daughter of musician Bernard Gates at Stanmore, Middlesex. They had one child, a daughter named Elizabeth, who married oboist Redmond Simpson on 22 September 1753, who had one child.
Dubourg served as concert-master from 1728 to 1764 in Dublin. His official title was "Chief Composer and Master of the Music attending His Majesty's State in Ireland" at Dublin Castle. He was a major force the musical life of Dublin, together with Geminiani, who was his friend and teacher for many years.
Dubourg led the orchestra in the first performances of Handel's Messiah. Dubourg had worked with Handel as early as 1719 in London. The premiere of Messiah took place at "Mr Neale's Music Hall" in Dublin on 13 April 1742.
Permission to use members of the choirs from Dublin's cathedrals had been granted by the dean of Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) (who is better known today as the author of Gulliver’s Travels). However, Swift then withdrew his permission, only to grant it once again as the dates for the performances drew near. Swift also had no kind words for Dubourg's orchestra. He called them "a club of fiddlers in Fishamble Street".
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