The evolution of free-lance music composition, 1650-1900

Using qualitative histories and coded data on 645 composers born between 1650 and 1849, this article traces the evolution of free-lance activity by music composers over the course of two centuries. Contrary to widely advanced suppositions, many composers were pursuing free-lance composition as the 17th century ended, although more for opera than instrumental music writing. From that time on, free-lance composition expanded steadily, replacing employment by the church and the nobility. A growing number of composers also acted as impresarios in organizing their own opera or concert performances. Composers earned their bread in many other ways too. There were clear rising trends in their employment as private orchestra directors and conservatory professors. © 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers.